Читать книгу Marine Fishes of South-East Asia - Gerry Allen - Страница 25
ОглавлениеPLATE 26: GROPERS (FAMILY SERRANIDAE)
1 THINSPINE ROCKCOD
Gracila albomarginata (Fowler & Bean, 1930)
Inhabits outer slopes in 15-100 m; usually swims a short distance above the bottom; distinguished by large squarish white blotch on upper side and black spot at base of tail; juveniles plain with brilliant red markings on fins; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific. to 40 cm.
★★★
2 DOTHEAD ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis microprion (Bleeker, 1852)
Inhabits inshore reefs, common on shallow silty reefs; distinguished by plain brown body and numerous small blue spots on head and breast; N. Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; W. Pacific to Andaman Sea; to 23 cm.
★★
3 GARISH ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis igarashiensis Katayama, 1957
Inhabits deeper reef areas, generally between 60-250 m; distinguished by bright pattern of yellow, red, and orange bars; S.E. Asia; W. Pacific; to 43 cm.
★★★
4 STRAWBERRY ROCK COD
Cephalopholis spiloparaea (Valenciennes, 1828) Inhabits steep outer reef slopes, usually in about 15-100 m depth; appears plain grey brown underwater, but is actually bright red orange with diagonal white markings near edge of tail; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 22 cm.
5 SIX-BLOTCH ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis sexmaculata (Rüppell, 1830)
Inhabits caves and ledges, usually seen on outer reef slopes below 10 m depth; distinguished by combination of bright red colouration, brilliant blue spots and lines, and series of dark bars on side that are darkest on upper back; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 47 cm.
★★★
6 BLUE-SPOTTED ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis cyanostigma (Valenciennes, 1828) Inhabits coral reefs, often in lagoons or seagrass beds; distinguished by brown or orange-brown colouration with numerous blue spots on head, body, and fins, a white “halo” surrounding each spot on body; juveniles are plain grey brown with yellow fins; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; W. Pacific; to 35 cm.
★★★
7 TROUT COD
Epinephelus maculatus (Bloch, 1790)
Inhabits coral reefs, usually seen around coral bommies in lagoons; distinguished by overall dark grey colouration, pattern of dark spotting, and white saddles on forehead, middle of dorsal fin, and sometimes on uppertail base; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; W. Pacific to Samoa and Marshall Islands; to 50 cm.
★★★
8 BLUE MAORI COD
Epinephelus cyanopodus (Richardson, 1846)
Inhabits sandy areas near coral reefs, usually in protected lagoons; distinguished by general pale colouration and numeroussmall dark spots on head, body, and fins; juveniles mainly yellow with blue-grey wash on head and front of body; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 100 cm.
★★★
9 HEXAGON ROCKCOD
Epinephelus hexagonatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coral reefs, usually found in exposed outer reef areas in shallow water; distinguished by numerous brown spots separated by pale hexagonal “wire-netting” pattern; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 30 cm.
★★★
10 LARGE-SPOTTED ROCKCOD
Epinephelus macrospilos (Bleeker, 1855)
Inhabits coral reefs to depths of at least 44 m; distinguished by pattern of dark brown spots, which are very large and roughly hexagonal-shaped in juveniles and subadults, but become more numerous, smaller, and rounded in adults; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 43 cm.
11 REEF COD
Epinephelus tauvina (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits coral reefs in clear water; distinguished by pattern of brown spots on a whitish background; similar to 10, but spots are larger and more widely spaced; Great Barrier Reef, northern W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C Pacific; to 70 cm.
PLATE 27
1 PRINCESS ANTHIAS
Pseudanthias smithvanizi (Randall & Lubbock, 1981)
Inhabits outer reef slopes, usually seen below depths of 2530 m; occurs in aggregations; distinguished by small size, swollen upper lip (males), prolonged 3rd dorsal fin spine (males), numerous yellow spots on upper half of body, and strongly forked tail; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia;
Indo-C. Pacific; to 9.5 cm.
2 LORI’S ANTHIAS
Pseudanthias lori (Lubbock & Randall, 1976)
Inhabits outer reef slopes, usually seen in aggregations at depths between 25-60 m; distinguished by bright red bars on back and broad red band on tail base; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; C.-W. Pacific and E. Indian Ocean; to 12 cm.
3 THREADFIN ANTHIAS
Pseudanthias huchtii (Bleeker, 1857)
Inhabits coral reefs; a common inhabitant of lagoons, passes, and upper edge of outer reef slopes; similar to 4 below, but less brilliantly coloured, males have reddish rather than orange band across cheek and lack large dark spot on pectoral fin, females are greenish yellow rather than orange; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Philippines to N.E. Australia and Vanuatu; to 12 cm.
PLATE 1: SHARKS
1 WHALE SHARK
Rhincodon typus Smith, 1828
Inhabits coastal waters, also occurs well offhore; distinguished by huge size and pattern of white spots; world’s largest fish, but harmless plankton feeder; rarely seen but sightings off North West Cape, Western Australia during March-April are a regular occurrence; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; possibly to 18 m; but-seldom above 12 m. (RHINCODONTIDAE)
2 LEOPARD SHARK
Stegostoma fasciatum (Hermann, 1783)
Inhabits coastal waters and offshore areas in the vicinity of coral reefs, may be seen resting on the bottom; distinguished by large tail, dark spots, and ridges on side; also known as Zebra Shark; harmless; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 350 cm. (STEGASTOMATIDAE)
3 TAWNY NURSE SHARK
Nebrius ferrugineus (Lesson, 1830)
Inhabits shallow reefs; distinguished by brown colour; equal-sized dorsal fins and moderately long barbels on snout; harmless; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 320 cm. (GINGLYMOSTOMATIDAE)
4 GREY NURSE SHARK
Carcharias taurus Rafinesque, 1810
Inhabits coastal waters, often occurs near the bottom in small schools, distinguished by pair of dorsal and anal fins nearly of equal size, long curved fang-like teeth, and lack of barbels on snout; usually harmless, but will attack if provoked; subtropical Australian seas; Atlantic and Indo-W. Pacific; to 360 cm. (ODONTASPIDAE)
5 SMALL TOOTH THRESHER SHARK
Alopias pelagicus Nakamura, 1935
Inhabits oceanic waters, but occasionally caught near shore; distinguished by very long upper tail lobe (used to stun schools of fish); harmless; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 330 cm. (ALOPIIDAE)
6 BULLHEAD SHARK
Heterodontus zebra (Gray, 1831)
Inhabits flat bottoms on the continental shelf to at least 50 m depth; distinguished by barred pattern and sharp spine at front of both dorsal fins; harmless except dorsal spines can cause painful wound; found throughout the region; mainly W. Pacific; to 122 cm. (HETERODONTIDAE)
7 SHORTFIN MAKO
Isurus oxyrinchus Rafinesque, 1809
Inhabits oceanic waters usually well offshore, but sometimes visits coastal areas; distinguished by slender shape, equal-sized tail fin lobes, and slender dagger-like teeth; also known as Blue pointer; dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 400 cm. (LAMNIDAE)
8 BLUNTNOSE SIXGILL SHARK
Hexanchus griseus (Bonnaterre, 1788)
Inhabits coastal waters, also occurs well offshore in deeper waters of the continental shelf; distinguished by absence of second dorsal fin; found throughout the region; worldwide tropical seas; to 180 cm. (HEXANCHIDAE)
9 SPECKLED CATSHARK
Hemiscyllium trispeculare Richardson, 1843
Inhabits shallow coral reefs; distinguished by pale edged black spot partially surrounded by smaller black spots just behind gill slits; N. Australia only; to 65 cm. (HEMISCYLLIDAE)
10 EPAULETTE SHARK
Hemiscyllium ocellatum (Bonaterre, 1788)
Inhabits shallow coral reefs; similar to 9, but lacks smaller black spots adjacent to large spot behind gill slits; harmless; N. Australia and New Guinea; to 107 cm. (HEMISCYLLIDAE)
11 BROWN-BANDED CATSHARK
Chiloscyllium punctatum Muller & Henle, 1838
Inhabits shallow coral reefs; distinguished by strongly-barred pattern and barbels on snout; harmless; found throughout the region; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 104 cm. (HEMISCYLLIDAE)
12 MARBLED CATSHARK
Atelomycterus macleayi Whitley, 1939
Inhabits coastal waters on sand or rocky bottoms; distinguished by small size, slender shape, no barbels on snout, and pattern of black spots and faint broad dark bars; N. Australia only; to 60 cm. (SCYLIORHINIDAE)
13 RETICULATED SWELLSHARK
CephaloscyIlium fasciatum Chen, 1966
Inhabits deeper waters of the continental shelf; distinguished by rounded, inflatable stomach, blunt snout, narrow eye-slits and pattern of spots and lines; harmless; found throughout the region; N. Australia and S.E. Asia; to 80 cm. (SCYLIORHINIDAE)
14 BANDED WOBBEGONG
Orectolobus ornatus (de Vis, 1883)
Inhabits shallow coastal reefs frequently on sand or weed bottoms; distinguished by ornate colour pattern and numerous skin flaps on mouth and lower part of head; harmless, but will bite if accidentally trod on; entire Australian coastline and New Guinea; to 300 cm. (ORECTOLOBIDAE)
15 NORTHERN WOBBEGONG
Orectolobus wardi Whitley, 1939
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by pale-edged dark saddles and bands, frequently has black spots on edge of dorsal fins and tail, skin flaps on head not as well developed as in 14; harmless; N. Australia only; to 100 cm. (ORECTOLOBIDAE)
16 TASSELLED WOBBEGONG
Euchrossorhinus dasypogon (Bleeker, 1867)
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by numerous branched skin flaps on both chin and side of head (absent on chin in 14 and 15) and very broad, rounded head; harmless; N. Australia and New Guinea; to 350 cm. (ORECTOLOBIDAE)
SHARK TEETH
Sharks typically have an outer row of well developed, upright teeth and several inner rows of teeth in various stages of development which are folded downward. Teeth are continuously produced throughout the life of the shark and each row moves forward to replace the next row every few weeks. The teeth are a valuable means of identifying species, particulary among the whalers (Plate 2). Typical examples from the upper and lower jaw of a number of sharks are included on plates 1 and 2.
PLATE 2: SHARKS (FAMILY CARCHARHINIDAE)
1 SILVERTIP SHARK
Carcharhinus albimarginatus (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits offshore coral reefs, usually below 20 m depth on outer edge of reefs; distinguished by white tips on dorsal, tail, and pectoral fins; dangerous; found throughout the region; Indo-E Pacific; to 300 cm.
2 BIGNOSE SHARK
Carcharhinus altimus (Springer, 1950)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by long rounded or bluntly pointed snout when viewed from above, no conspicuous fin markings, and skin ridge between dorsal fins; potentially dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide tropical seas, to 300 cm
3 GREY REEF SHARK
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (Bleeker, 1856)
Inhabits inshore and offshore coral reefs; usually seen adjacent to dropoffs on the outer edge of reefs; distinguished by black margin on tail and lacks skin ridge between dorsal fins; dangerous; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 255 cm.
4 PIGEYE SHARK
Carcharhinus amboinensis (Muller & Henle, 1839)
Inhabits coastal waters, sometimes entering estuaries and rivers; a large stout grey shark without.distinguishing marks, has a large dorsal fin and lacks a skin ridge between the dorsal fins; dangerous; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 280 cm.
5 BRONZE WHALER
Carcharhinus brachyurus (Gunther, 1870)
Inhabits coastal waters; often confused with 13, but has narrower upper teeth and no skin ridge between dorsal fins; dangerous; subtropical and temperate Australian seas; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 325 cm.
6 LONG-NOSED GREY SHARK
Carcharhinus brevipinna (Muller & Henle, 1839) Inhabits coastal waters, often occurs in schools; distinguished by black tips on most fins, but lacks white margins around black areas as found in 11; potentially dangerous; also known as Smooth-fanged or Inkytail Shark; found throughout the region; Atlantic and Indo-W. Pacific; to 300 cm.
7 BULL SHARK
Carcharhinus leucas (Valenciennes, 1839)
Inhabits coastal waters, enters estuaries and rivers; landlocked freshwater populations occur in some areas outside Australia; a large stocky shark with short blunt snout when viewed from above, broad triangular teeth, and lacks skin ridge between dorsal fins; dangerous; also known as River Shark and Estuary Whaler; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 340 cm.
8 SILKY SHARK
Carcharhinus falciformes (Bibron, 1839)
Inhabits oceanic waters, usually well offshore; a large slender grey shark with a moderately long rounded snout, short first dorsal fin, and elongate tips on anal and second dorsal fins; potentially dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 330 cm.
9 WHITE CHEEK SHARK
Carcharhinus dussumieri Valenciennes, 1839 Inhabits coastal waters; see remarks for 15 below; harmless; N.W. Australia and S.E. Asia; N.Indian Ocean and W.Pacific; to 100 cm.
10 BLACKTIP SHARK
Carharhinus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1839)
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 6, but more black on fin tips and has black spot on pelvic fin; potentially dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 255 cm.
11 BLACKTIP REEF SHARK
Carcharhinus melanopterus (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) Inhabits reef flats and coral reef lagoons; distinguished from other ‘black-tipped’ sharks by white margin around black areas,especially noticeable on first dorsal fin; usually not dangerous unless cornered; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 180 cm.
12 OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK
Carcharhinus longimanus (Poey, 1861)
Inhabits oceanic waters, usually well offshore; distinushed by over-sized pectoral fin and broad rounded dorsal fin, both of these fins broadly white tipped; dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 396 cm.
13 BLACK WHALER
Carcharhinus obscurus (Le Sueur, 1818)
Inhabits coastal waters, also found well offshore; similar to 5, but has wider, more triangler teeth in upper jaw and has a low skin ridge between dorsal fins; dangerous; also known as Dusky Shark; subtropical and tropical Australia; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 362 cm.
14 SANDBAR SHARK
Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by very tall first dorsal fin that arises above rear base of pectoral fin;dangerous; also known as Sand or Thickskin Shark and Northern Whaler; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 300 cm.
15 BLACKSPOT SHARK
Carcharhinus sealei (Pietschmann, 1916) inhabits coastal waters; similar to 9, but has falcate rather than triangular first dorsal fin; harmless; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 95 cm.
16 SPOT-TAIL SHARK
Carcharhinus sorrah (Valenciennes, 1839)
Inhabits coastal waters in the vicinity of coral reefs; distinguished by conspicuous black tips on pectoral and second dorsal fins, and lower lobe of tail; dangerous; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 160 cm
SHARK ATTACK!
The sharks illustrated in Plate 2 are members of the family Carcharhinidae, commonly known as whalers. Although many of the species have never been implicated as far as attacks on humans are concerned, the family contains several which have a bad reputation. All should be handled with respect when removing hooks and none should be deliberately provoked by spearing fishes or offering food when diving in their company.
PLATE 3: SHARKS AND RAYS
1 TIGER SHARK
Galeocerdo cuvier (Peron & Le Sueur, 1822)
Inhabits deeper offshore areas, frequently near reefs, distinguished by blunt (when viewed from above) snout, stripes on side (faint or absent in large adults), keel on side of tail base, and strongly curved teeth; very dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 650 cm and 520 kg. (CARCHARHINIDAE)
★★★
2 SLITEYE SHARK
Loxodon macrorhinus Muller & Henle, 1839
Inhabits continental shelf waters between 7-80 m depth; distinguished by notch or slit on rear edge of eye socket, long slender snout, and large eye; harmless; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 91 cm. (CARCHARHINIDAE)
★★★
3 LEMON SHARK
Negaprion acutidens (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits inshore waters, in bays, estuaries and in coral reef lagoons; distinguished by yellow-brown colour, short snout and stocky body with 2 dorsal fins about equal sized; generally harmless to divers but potentially dangerous; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 335 cm and 91 kg. (CARCHARHINIDAE)
★★★
4 BLUE SHARK
Prionace glauca (Linnaeus, 1758)
Inhabits surface waters, usually well offshore; similar to Mako (1-7) at least in colour, but has smaller gill slits; longer pectoral fins and serrated teeth; also called Blue whaler; dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 380 cm and 140 kg. (CARCHARHINIDAE)
★★★
5 WHITETIP SHARK
Triaenodon obesus (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits coral reefs, frequently seen resting on the bottom in caves or in the open; distinguished by slender shape and white tips on first dorsal and caudal fin; usually harmless, but has attacked humans; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 215 cm. (HEMIGALEIDAE)
★★
6 MILK SHARK
Rhizoprionodon acutus (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits coastal bays and off sandy beaches, also offshore areas to 200 m depth; similar to 2 above, but lacks notch on rear edge of eye socket; harmless; found throughout the region; E. Atlantic and Indo-W. Pacific; to 178 cm. (CARCHARHINIDAE)
★★
7 SCALLOPED HAMMERHEAD
Sphyrna lewini (Griffith & Smith, 1834)
Inhabits coastal waters and also encountered well offshore, frequently near the surface; distinguished from other hammerheads in the region by an indentation in the middle of the front edge of the head; dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 420 cm and 76 kg. (SPHYRNIDAE)
★★
8 WINGHEAD SHARK
Eusphyra blochii (Cuvier, 1817)
Inhabits shallow coastal waters; distinguished by huge wing-shaped head (nearly 1/2 length of body); considered harmless; found throughout the region; N. Indian Ocean and Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 152 cm. (SPHYRNIDAE)
★★
9 GREAT HAMMERHEAD
Sphyrna mokarran (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits coastal waters and also found well offshore; distinguished by very flat front edge of head and tall, sail-like first dorsal fin with pointed tip, otherwise body shape similar to 7 above; dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 610 cm. (SPHYRNIDAE)
★★
10 SMOOTH HAMMERHEAD
Sphyrna zygaena (Linnaeus, 1758)
Inhabits coastal waters and also found well offshore; distinguished from other hammerheads in the region by smooth front edge of head; dangerous; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 400 cm; 96 kg. (SPHYRNIDAE)
★★
11 GREEN SAWFISH
Pristis zijsron Bleeker, 1851
Inhabits mud bottoms, entering estuaries; distinguished by relatively long saw-like snout; similar to 12 below, but has 24-28 pair of teeth extending along entire edge of snout; not dangerous unless cornered; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; usually to 600 cm, but reported to attain 730 cm. (PRISTIDAE)
★★
12 NARROW SAWFISH
Anoxypristis cuspidatus (Latham, 1794)
Inhabits mud bottoms inshore to about 40 m depth; similar in general appearance to 11 above, but body not as stout and has very long, narrow snout with 18-22 pairs of lateral teeth, but teeth absent on rear part; found throughout the region; N. Indian Ocean and Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 350 cm. (PRISTIDAE)
★★
13 WIDE SAWFISH
Pristis microdon Latham, 1794
Inhabits mud bottoms of bays and estuaries, also enters large rivers and goes well upstream; similar to 11 above, but has shorter, broader snout with 18-23 (usually 20-22) pairs of lateral teeth; also known as Freshwater Sawfish; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; usually to about 200 cm, but reputed to reach 700 cm. (PRISTIDAE)
★★
14 SHARK RAY
Rhina ancylostoma (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coastal waters, on mud or sand bottoms; distinguished from 15 below by rounded head and granular patches or ridges above each eye and on middle of forehead; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 260 cm. (RHYNCHOBATIDAE)
★★
15 WHITE-SPOTTED SHOVELNOSE RAY
Rhynchobatus djiddensis (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits sandy areas, sometimes seen resting motionless; distinguished from 14 above by pointed head and black spot above pectoral fin base; sometimes incorrectly referred to as Shovelnose Shark; found throughout the region; Indo-W Pacific; to 300 cm and 75 kg. (RHYNCHOBATIDAE)
★★★
16 SPOTTED SHOVELNOSE RAY
Aptychotrema sp.
Inhabits coastal waters on sand bottoms; similar to 17 below, but has broad brown margin around white spots; an undescribed species known only from the Timor Sea, off Melville I., N. Territory; to 120 cm. (RHINOBATIDAE)
★★
17 GIANT SHOVELNOSE RAY
Rhinobatos typus Bennett, 1830
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 16 above, but lack spots and snout is broader with more rounded tip; found throughout the region; E. Indian Ocean and Indo-Australian Archipelago; to at least 270 cm. (RHINOBATIDAE)
★★
PLATE 4: SHARKS AND RAYS
1 WESTERN ANGEL SHARK
Squatina sp.
Inhabits deep (150-310 m) trawling grounds; a ray-like shark with distinctive shape, has greatly enlarged pectoral fins that are not entirely fused to the head and body as in rays, also has bilobed tail and 2 small dorsal fins; W. Australia between Shark Bay and Broome; to at least 64 cm. (SQUATINIDAE)
★★
2 YELLOW SHOVELNOSE-RAY
Aptychotremata sp.
Inhabits sand bottoms; similar to 16 on previous page, but lacks spots and snout is blunter; continental shelf of N.W. Australia; to at least 65 cm. (RHINOBATIDAE)
★★
3 BROWN STINGAREE
Urolophus westraliensis Last & Gomon, 1987
Inhabits sand bottoms in depths of 150-210 m; distinguished by sharply pointed snout tip, at least one serrated spine on tail, similar to 4 below and 8 (next page) but is plain brown without markings or has 3 indistinct bars on disc; N.W. Australia between Dampier and Buccaneer Archipelago; to at least 36 cm. (UROLOPHIDAE)
★★
4 BLOTCHED STINGAREE
Urolophus mitosis Last & Gomon, 1987
Inhabits sand bottoms to depths of 200 m; similar to 3 above and 8 (next page) but has pale elongate blotches and lines that surround clusters of dark spots; N.W. Australia, known thus far only from off Port Hedland; to at least 29 cm. (UROLOPHIDAE)
★★
5a BANDED NUMBFISH
Narcine westraliensis McKay, 1966
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by flattened "tadpole" shape, large round head, and 2 small dorsal fins; colour ranges from plain to spotted; capable of producing mild electrical shock; N.W. Australia only; to 28 cm.
5b ORNATE NUMBFISH
Narcine sp.
This small species has often been confused with Banded Numbfish. It only occurs in the Gulf of Carpentaria; to 17cm. (NARCINIDAE)
6 NUMBFISH
Hypnos monopteiygium (Shaw & Nodder, 1795)
Inhabits sand-weed areas; distinguished by round body with smaller rounded pelvic lobe at rear which bears the tail and 2 small dorsal fins; colour varies from light brown to blackish; can produce a strong electrical shock if handled or accidently trod on; also known as Coffin Ray; St. Vincents Gulf, S. Austraila to Broome, W. Australia and S.Queensland to S. New S. Wales; Australia only; to 69 cm. (HYPNIDAE)
7 EYED SKATE
Raja sp.
Inhabits sand bottoms of continental shelf in 60-200 m depth; distinguished by pointed snout, bilobed pelvic fins, single row of thorns or small spines down middle of tail, and 2 small dorsal fins near end of tail, also has fragmented ocellus-type markings on each side of back; also known as False Argus Skate; continental shelf of N.W. Australia; to at least 20 cm width. (RAJIDAE)
8 WESTERN ROUND SKATE
Irolita sp.
Inhabits sand bottoms of continental shelf in 150-200 m depth; distinguished by round shape, bilobed pelvic fins, short spines or thorns in 1 or more rows on tail, and 2 small dorsal fins near end of tail, also has blue-grey spots or blotches scattered on back; N.W. Australia from Shark Bay to Port Hedland; to 42 cm. (RAJIDAE)
9 BROWN STINGRAY
Dasyatis annotatus Last, 1987
Inhabits sand bottoms in 40-65 m depth; distinguished by kite-shape and 2 long serrated spines on tapering tail; similar to 10 below, but is plain grey-brown without markings and has a more pointed snout; Timor and Arafura seas off N. Australia; to at least 24 cm width and 45 cm length. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
10 BROWN RETICULATED STINGRAY
Dasyatis leylandi Last, 1987
Inhabits sand bottoms; two distinct colour forms are known, one with numerous irregular pale blotches and another with pepper-like spotting, both have broad dark band or “mask” between eyes; also known as Painted Maskray; N. Australia and S. New Guinea; to at least 25 cm width. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
11 BLUE-SPOTTED STINGRAY
Dasyatis kuhlii (Muller & Henle, 1841)
Inhabits sand bottoms, frequently in the vicinity of coral reefs; sometimes buries itself with only the eyes protruding above the sand; distinguished by blue spots and frequently has scattered black spots on disc, found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; maximum width about 45 cm. length to 70 cm. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
SHARK FACTS
Sharks and their cousins, the rays, are very specialised fishes that represent a primitive stage of evolutionary development. The sharks represent an extremely ancient lineage. They were known in Devonian seas, over 350 million years ago. Many of the present genera of sharks, skates, and rays date back more than 100 million years. Approximately 350 species of sharks are currently known. Only a small number of these are considered dangerous. Sharks represent an extremely diverse assemblage, occurring in all seas, and in a variety of depths ranging from shallow intertidal pools to deep oceanic trenches, miles below the surface.
RAYS AND RELATIVES
Rays and their relatives are classified in the Order Rajiformes. Both sharks and rays are characterised by a cartilagenous skeleton. Other typical features of rays include a greatly flattened body that is often disc-shaped, and the presence of five, ventrally located gill openings. Most species bear their young alive except the Rajidae, which deposit egg cases. Many rays have venomous spikes or spines on the tail base that are capable of inflicting painful wounds. The members of the family Torpedinidae possess powerful electric organs situated in the head region. Rays dwell in a variety of habitats, ranging from oceanic depths to shallow reefs, estuaries, and even freshwater streams. They range in size from about 30-40 cm disc-width (some skates) to more than 4 m (manta rays).
PLATE 5: RAYS AND GHOST SHARKS
1 BLACK STINGRAY
Dasyatis thetidis Ogilby, 1899
Inhabits coastal waters off beaches and over sand or mud bottoms to at least 300 m depth; distinguished by blue-grey to blackish colour and short tubercles on top of head and over middle of back; has a pair of spines on tail that can inflict serious wounds; temperate and subtropical Australia northward to Shark Bay in the west and Coff’s Harbour in the east; also New Zealand, and South Africa; to 180 cm disc width, 400 cm total length and 65 kg. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
2 COWTAIL STINGRAY
Pastinachus sephen (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits flat sand or mud bottoms near shore, also common in brackish mangrove estuaries and in the lower reaches of rivers; distinguished by grey-brown to blackish colour and broad flap of skin on lower edge of tail, large specimens may have tubercles on back similar to 1 above; has 2 dangerous spines on tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific to 180 cm disc width. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
3 BLACK-BLOTCHED STINGRAY
Taeniura meyeni Muller & Henle, 1841
Inhabits sandy bottoms in the vicinity of coral reefs; distinguished by round shape and dense pattern of black spots; has pair of dangerous spines on tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 180cm disc width and 330 cm total length. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
4 BLUE-SPOTTED FAN TAIL STINGRAY
Taeniura Iymma (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits flat sand bottoms in the vicinity of coral reefs; distinguished by kite shape and pattern of bright blue spots; has 1-2 dangerous spines on tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to at least 30 cm disc width and 70 cm total length. (DASYATIDAE)
5 BLACK-SPOTTED STINGRAY
Himantura toshi Whitley, 1939
Inhabits sandy beaches, sand flats near reefs, or shallow mangrove estuaries; distinguished by very long, whip-like tail and pattern of small black spots; has pair of dangerous spine on tail (sometimes missing); N. Australia and S. New Guinea; to at least 70 cm disc width and 180 cm total length. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
6 LEOPARD WHIPRAY
Himantura undulata (Bleeker, 1852)
Inhabits sandy beaches, sand flats near reefs, or shallow mangrove estuaries; distinguished by very long, whip-like tail and leopard-like spot pattern; has dangerous spine on tail; a similar species, H. uarnak (not shown), also found throughout the region - it has a reticulate, maze-like pattern; N. Australia and S. New Guinea; to at least 70 cm disc width and 180 cm total length. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
7 MANTA RAY
Manta birostris (Donndorff, 1798)
Inhabits coastal waters and the vicinity of offshore reefs; distinguished by large size, pair of protruding flaps at front of head, and short tail; one of the largest of all fishes, it is a harmless plankton feeder well known for its ability to make spectacular leaps above the water surface; found throughout the region; worldwide circumtropical; to 670 cm disc width and over 2 tons in weight. (MOBULIDAE)
★★★
8 PATCHWORK STINGAREE
Urolophus flavomosaicus Last & Gomon, 1987
Inhabits coastal waters on flat sand bottoms; similar to 3 and 4 on previous page, but has ornate pattern of white spots and reticulated white and brown lines; found throughout the region; central W. Australia and southern half of Queensland; to 60 cm. (DASYATIDAE)
★★
9 RAT-TAILED RAY
Gymnura australis (Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886)
Inhabits shallow coastal waters; distinguished by broad triangular “wings” and very short rat-like tail; also known as Butterfly Ray; northern half of Australia and S. New Guinea; to at least 80 cm disc width. (GYMNURIDAE)
10 BARBLESS EAGLE RAY
Aetomyleus nichofii (Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coastal waters in the vicinity of reefs; distinguished by bulging head and protruding snout similar to 11 below, but lacks white spots and has pale blue cross bands on back; found throughout the region; C. and E. Indian Ocean to W. Pacific; to 58 cm disc width and about 100 cm total length. (MYLIOBATIDAE)
★★
11 SPOTTED EAGLE RAY
Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen, 1790)
Inhabits coastal waters in the vicinity of reefs; similar to 10 above, but has white spots on back and 2-6 barbed spines on base of tail; found throughout the region; worldwide circumtropical; to at least 300 cm disc width and total length of 880 cm. (MYLIOBATIDAE)
★★
12 BLACKFIN GHOST SHARK
Hydrolagus lemures (Whitley, 1939)
Inhabits deeper offshore waters of continental shelf in 200-500 m depth; distinguished by ‘rodent-like’ head with small mouth below eye, large pectoral fins, long tapering tail; several similar species found in region, but lack dark edge on first dorsal fin; widespread along most of the Australian continental shelf; to 30 cm. (CHIMAERIDAE)
BEWARE OF SPINES!
Many of the rays illustrated on Plates 4 and 5 are characterised by one or more venomous spines on the tail. Stings inflicted by these spines are extremely painful and fatalities have occurred when either heart, abdomen, or lungs were badly perforated. Caution should be exercised when wading on sandy bottoms. It is advisable to use a walking stick to probe just ahead or at least walk with a shuffling gait rather than in normal strides. This sort of movement will often prevent treading directly on the back of a partially buried ray. If a ray is stepped on it has the ability to thrust its tail upward and forward, impaling the victim with remarkable speed. Pain is immediate and intense, and may persist for several days. Immersion in hot water (about 50°C) for 30-90 minutes may dramatically relieve the pain as the venom is a protein which is heat labile. Medical assistance should always be obtained as the wound may be far more serious than it appears.
PLATE 6: HERRINGS AND RELATIVES
1 GIANT HERRING
Elops hawaiiensis Regan, 1909
Inhabits coastal waters and mangrove areas; distinguished by slender body and relatively large mouth; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 120 cm. (ELOPIDAE)
★
2 BONEFISH
Albula neoguinaica Valenciennes, 1847
Inhabits estuaries and mudflats; distinguished by protruding snout; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 110 cm. (ALBULIDAE)
★
3 MILKFISH
Chanos chanos (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits coastal waters near reefs; distinguished by small mouth and scissor-like tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 120 em, 10.6 kg. (CHANIDAE)
★
4 OXEYE HERRING
Megalops cyprinoides (Broussonet, 1782)
Inhabits coastal waters and mangrove areas; distinguished by large eye and mouth, and filament at end of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 150 em, 2.3 kg. (ELOPIDAE)
★
5 WOLF HERRING
Chirocentrus dorab Forsskål, 1775 Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by large fangs; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 140 cm. (CHIROCENTRIDAE)
★
6 SMOOTH-BELLY SARDINE
Amblygaster leiogaster (Valenciennes, 1847)
Inhabits coastal waters in large schools; similar to 8 below, but pelvic and anal fins farther apart; N.W. Australia and Indo-Malay Archipelago; Indo-W. Pacific; to 25 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
7 NORTHERN PILCHARD
Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1792)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by row of spots on side; N.W. Australia to Gulf of Carpentaria and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 22 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
8 SLENDER SARDINE
Dussumieria elopsoides Bleeker, 1849
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 6 above, but pelvic and anal fins closer together; N.W. Australia to Gulf of Carpentaria and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 25 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
9 BLUESTRIPE HERRING
Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished from all other plain coloured herrings on this page by a pair of fleshy outgrowths on margin of gill cover; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 16 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
10 KONINGSBERGER’S HERRING
Herklotsichthys koningsbergeri (Weber & de Beaufort, 1912)
Inhabits beaches and inlets; distinguished by double row of spots on side; found throughout the region; N.W. Australia to Gulf of Carpentaria and S. New Guinea; to 15 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
11 GIZZARD SHAD
Anodontostoma chacunda (Hamilton, 1822)
Inhabits coastal waters and mangrove areas; similar to 14 below, but lacks filament at rear of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; N.W. Australia to Gulf of Carpentaria and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-Australian Archipelago and N. Indian Ocean: to 20 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
12 BANDED ILISHA
Ilisha striatula Wongratana, 1983
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 13 below, but has faint stripe along middle of side (not shown) and lacks dark spot behind gill cover; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; mainly N. Indian Ocean: to 22 cm. (PRISTIGASTERIDAE)
★★
13 DITCHELEE
Pellona ditchela Valenciennes, 1847
Inhabits coastal bays and estuaries; similar to 12 above, but lacks stripe on sides and has dark spot behind gill cover; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 18 cm. (PRISTIGASTERIDAE)
★★
14 HAIRBACK HERRING
Nematalosa come (Richardson, 1846)
Inhabits coastal bays and estuaries; similar to 11 above but has filament at end of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; mainly Indo-Australian Archipelago north to E. China Sea; to 23 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
15 SLENDER SPRAT
Spratelloides gracilis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by slender shape and silvery stripe on sides; found throughout the region; Indo C. Pacific; to 11 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
16 BLUE SPRAT
Spratelloides robustus Ogilby, 1897
Inhabits coastal waters and estuaries; distinguished by bluish back and lack of silver stripe on sides; Australia only(W.A. and New. S.Wales); to 9 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★
17 GOLDSTRIPE SARDINE
Sardinella gibbosa (Bleeker, 1849)
Inhabits coastal waters, distinguished by thin gold-coloured stripe on sides; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 19 cm. (CLUPEIDAE)
★★★
18 BAREBACK ANCHOVY
Papuengraulis micropinna Munro, 1964
Inhabits coastal bays and estuaries; distinguished by threadlike dorsal fin; N. Australia and S. New Guinea: to 15 cm. (ENGRAULIDAE)
★★
19 INDIAN ANCHOVY
Stolephorus indicus (van Hasselt, 1823)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by rounded snout and broad silvery stripe on sides; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 16 cm. (ENGRAULIDAE)
★★
20 LONGFIN ANCHOVY
Setipinna tenuifilis (Valenciennes, 1848)
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 18 above, but has normal dorsal fin; N.W. Australia and S. New Guinea; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (ENGRAULIDAE)
★★
21 HAMILTON ‘S ANCHOVY
Thryssa hamiltonii (Gray, 1835)
Inhabits estuaries and mudflats; distinguished by rounded snout, large mouth, and spot behind gill cover; Thryssa setirostris (not shown) similar, but with extremely long posterior extension of upper jaw; found throughout the region except E. Queensland; N. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 25 cm. (ENGRAULIDAE)
★★
PLATE 7: MORAY EELS (MURAENIDAE)
1 STARRY EEL
Echidna nebulosa (Thünberg, 1789)
Inhabits shallow coral reefs; distinguished by whitish body with 2 longitudinal rows of darkish pale-centred blotches and lacks sharp fangs, also known as Clouded reef-eel; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 70 cm.
2 GIRDLED REEF EEL
Echidna polyzona (Richardson, 1845)
Inhabits shallow coral reefs, often exposed to surge; distinguished by alternating light and dark bars of approximately equal width and lacks sharp fangs; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 60 cm.
3 ZEBRA EEL
Gymnomuraena zebra (Shaw, 1797)
Inhabits shallow coral reefs, often exposed to surge; distinguished by narrow pale bands encircling head and body, and lacks sharp fangs; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 150 cm.
4 LATTICE-TAIL MORAY
Gymnothorax buroensis (Bleeker, 1857)
Inhabits offshore coral reefs; distinguished by brown colour on front of body and blackish colour on posterior part with pale spotting; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 31 cm.
5 SPOTTED MORAY
Gymnothorax eurostus (Abbot, 1861)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by numerous small yellowish spots becoming larger on rear part of body; also dark spots or blotches evident mainly on front half; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 40 cm 0.23 kg.
6 SIEVE-PATTERNED MORAY
Gymnothorax criboris Whitley, 1932
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by several dark spots behind eye; network of fine interconnected lines on front half of body, and network of darker brown surrounding pale blotches on posterior half; also known as Brown-flecked reef eel; N. Australia southward to Sydney; to 75 cm.
7 BLACK-BLOTCHED MORAY
Gymnothorax favagineus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by bold spot pattern; one of the largest of moray eels, but usually harmless unless provoked; its sharp fangs can cause serious injury; also known as Tesselated moray and Giraffe eel; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 300 cm.
8 YELLOW-EDGED MORAY
Gymnothorax flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1830)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; generally yellow-brown in colour with fine dark spotting on head and body and black patch at gill opening; juveniles are dark brown with fine yellow-green margin on dorsal and anal fins; also known as Leopard eel; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 50 cm.
9 FIMBRIATED MORAY
Gymnothorax fimbriatus (Bennett, 1832)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by tan or light brown colour with loose network of branched dark bands; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 80 cm.
10 GIANT MORAY
Gymnothorax javanicus (Bleeker, 1859)
Inhabits offshore coral reef; distinguished by yellow-brown head with small dark spots and large dark patch at gill opening; adults have leopard-like spotting on body; a large eel that can be dangerous if provoked; several attacks have been reported; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 250 cm.
11 PEARLY MORAY
Gymnothorax margaritophorus Bleeker, 1865
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by series of dark blotches just behind eye, pale chin and breast, and “lattice” pattern on rear part of body; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 40 cm.
12 MOTTLED MORAY
Gymnothorax undulatus (Lacepède, 1803)
Inhabits coral reef crevices, distinguished by “chain-link” pattern of narrow pale bands; juvenile with diffuse vertical bars most noticeable towards tail; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 150 cm.
13 BARTAIL MORAY
Gymnothorax zonipectus Seale, 1906
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by white spots on upper and lower jaw; dark spots on body and distinct dark bars on rear portion of dorsal and anal fins; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 32 cm.
14 PAINTED MORAY
Siderea picta (Ahl, 1789)
Inhabits shallow reef flats and tide pools; sometimes seen entirely out of water at low tide; distinguished by white colouration with numerous small dark spots; also known as Peppered moray; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 68 cm.
15 FRECKLED MORAY
Siderea thrysoidea (Richardson, 1845)
Inhabits shallow coral reefs; distinguished by light brown or tan coloured body (with faint mottlings), white to bluish snout, and silvery eyes; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 35 cm.
MORAY EELS
The eels featured on this plate are all members of the family Muraenidae, commonly known as morays. Most are equipped with needle-sharp teeth which has given them a largely undeserved reputation of being dangerous. While it is true that some larger eels, for example no. 10, have attacked humans, in most cases the eel had been provoked in some manner. Large eels should definitely not be teased with offerings of dead or struggling fish either hand held or on the end of a spear. Exceptions are morays that hang out at popular tourist dive sites and are relatively tame. In this case trust your local guide for advice, but always be cautious! Species in the genus Echidna have blunt teeth in contrast to most other eels. This is an adaptation for feeding on shelled molluscs and crustaceans. They exhibit striking colour patterns and are sometimes kept as aquarium pets. The Painted Moray (14) sometimes frightens beachcombers. It occurs in very shallow pools at low tide or is occasionally found high and dry under rocks.
PLATE 8: MORAY EELS (FAMILY MURAENIDAE)
1 BLACK-SPOTTED MORAY
Gymnothorax melanospilus (Bleeker, 1855)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by bold black spots on white background, with many of the spots u-shaped; throughout S.E. Asia; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 180 cm.
2 LONGFANG MORAY
Enchelynassa canina (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by bilobed flap on front nostril, hooked jaws, wrinkled appearance of head, extremely long canine teeth at front of mouth, and several white spots on lower jaw; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 150 cm.
3 WHITE-MARGINED MORAY
Enchelycore schismatorhynchus (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by hooked jaws, large fangs, and white margin on dorsal fin; throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 120 cm.
4 HOOKJAW MORAY
Enchelycore bayeri (Schultz, 1953)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by plain brown colour, large fangs, and hooked jaws; a relatively small harmless species; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 70 cm.
5 DRAGON MORAY
Enchelycore pardalis (Temminck, 1847)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by highly ornate pattern of bars and spots, and long tube-like rear nostrils above front part of eyes; throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 80 cm.
6 GUINEAFOWL MORAY
Gymnothorax meleagris (Shaw & Nodder, 1795)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by network of small white spots on dark ground colour, also inside of mouth is white; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 100 cm.
7 MOLUCCAN MORAY
Gymnothorax moluccensis (Bleeker, 1865)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; plain brown colour without distinguishing marks; throughout S.E. Asia; W. Pacific; to at least 50 cm.
8 YELLOWMOUTH MORAY
Gymnothorax nudivomer (Playfair & Gunther, 1867)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by yellow colour on inside of mouth, network of fine whites spots on head and much larger white spots over much of body; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 180 cm.
9 TIGER MORAY
Gymnothorax enigmaticus McCosker & Randall, 1982
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by black bars over entire length of body; similar to 15 below, but bars on head completely encircle body and no yellow present on head; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W. A. and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 58 cm.
10 HIGHFIN MORAY
Gymnothorax pseudothtysoideus (Bleeker, 1852)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by spotted pattern and relatively well developed dorsal fin; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; W. Pacific; to 80 cm.
11 RICHARDSON’S MORAY
Gymnothorax richardsoni (Bleeker, 1852)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; a small speckled eel that is frequently found under rocks on shallow reef flats, often in weedy areas; throughout S.E. Asia; W. Pacific; to at least 30 cm.
12 SLENDERTAIL MORAY
Gymnothorax gracilicaudus Jenkins, 1903
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by vertically elongate, branching dark blotches, forming definite bars on anterior half of body, but in several interconnected rows on posterior half; offshore reefs of W.A., Great Barrier Reef, and throughout Oceania; to 32 cm.
13 DWARF MORAY
Gymnothorax melatremus Schultz, 1953
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by small size, black rim around eye and prominent black mark around gill opening; general colour ranges from brown to bright yellow, sometimes with network of dark markings posteriorly; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A. and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W and C. Pacific; to 26 cm.
14 MARBLED MORAY
Uropterygius marmoratus (Lacepède, 1803)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by marbled colour pattern and complete lack of dorsal and anal fins; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A. and throughout S.E. Asia; W. and C. Pacific; to 50 cm.
15 BANDED MORAY
Gymnothorax rueppelliae (McClelland, 1845)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; similar to 9 above, but distinguished by yellowish head and dark bars on head do not encircle the body; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W∙A. and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 80 cm.
16 RIBBON EEL
Rhinomuraena quaesita Garman, 1888
Inhabits sand or rubble patches on the edge of coral reefs; feeds on fishes and crustaceans; males are bright blue and yellow with elaborate nostril flaps, females yellow except for black anal fin, juveniles and subadults are largely black; harmless; prized as aquarium pets; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 120 cm.
17 WHITE RIBBON EEL
Pseudechidna brummeri (Bleeker, 1858)
Inhabits reef flat, sheltered coastal reefs, and lagoons, usually on sand-rubble bottoms with rocky outcrops; distinguished by compressed ribbon-like body and overall pale colouration; throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 105 cm.
RIBBON EEL
The bright-coloured ribbon eel (16) is aptly named. Although the head is roughly cylindrical, its body is thin and ribbon-like. Unlike most morays, it lives in sandy burrows. It is usually seen protruding its head and up to about one-third of the body length outside the burrow. Aside from coloration and shape, the most distinguishing feature is the enormously expanded nostrils, which form a membranous scoop-like structure. If threatened, for example when closely approached by a diver, the eel swiftly retreats into its burrow, waiting several minutes before emerging.
PLATE 9: SNAKE EELS AND CONGER EELS
1 BLACK-EDGED CONGER
Conger cinereus Rüppell, 1830
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by well developed pectoral fins, relatively tall, black-edged dorsal and anal fins, and diagonal dark band behind mouth; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 103 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
2 MARBLED SNAKE-EEL
Callechelys marmoratus (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by dense pattern of irregular black spots; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 57 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
3 STARGAZER SNAKE-EEL
Brachysomophis cirrocheilos (Bleeker, 1857)
Inhabits sand bottoms, often with only eyes protruding above surface; distinguished by upward directed eyes near tip of snout, fringe of skin tentacles on lips, fang-like teeth in jaws and roof of mouth, and overall pale colour; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 125 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
4 SLENDER WORM-EEL
Muraenichthys gymnotus Bleeker, 1857
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by small worm-like body, olive coloured back, pale belly and lack of pectoral fins; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 17 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
5 FRINGE-LIPPED SNAKE-EEL
Cirrhimuraena calamus (Gunther, 1870)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by fringe of skin tentacles on upper lip, small pectoral fin, brownish colour of back, and abrupt transition to pale on lower half; W. Australia only from Geographe Bay northwards; to 62 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
6 CULVERIN
Leiuranus semicinctus (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by series of black saddles on upper two-thirds of body; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 60 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
7 HARLEQUIN SNAKE-EEL
Myrichthys colubrinus (Boddaert, 1781)
Inhabits sand bottoms; similar to 6 above, but black bars completely or nearly encircle body; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 88 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
8 FLAPPY SNAKE-EEL
Phyllophichthus xenodontus Gosline, 1951
Inhabits sand bottoms near reefs; distinguished by long pointed snout, leaf-like skin flap at each anterior nostril (near snout tip), and small pectoral fins; found throughout the region; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 42 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
9 ONE-BANDED SNAKE-EEL
Ophichthus cephalozona Bleeker, 1864
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by white-edged black saddle on middle of head; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly W. Pacific; to 80 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
10 OLIVE SNAKE-EEL
Ophichthus rutiodermatoides (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by non-descript pattern, pointed snout, pointed teeth, and pectoral fin base on upper half of gill opening; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; mainly Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 68 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
11 BLACK-FINNED SNAKE-EEL
Ophichthus melanochir Bleeker, 1865
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by black edge on dorsal fin, also pectoral fins sometimes entirely or partly black; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 80 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
12 ESTUARY SNAKE-EEL
Pisodonophis boro (Hamilton, 1822)
Inhabits sand or mud bottoms, often in estuaries or freshwater streams; distinguished by non-descript pattern, granular teeth, pectoral fin broad-based (not restricted to upper half of gill opening), and dorsal fin begins behind end of pectoral fins; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 100 cm.
13 BURROWING SNAKE-EEL
Pisodonophis cancrivorous (Richardson, 1848)
Inhabits sand bottoms distinguished by blunt snout (jaws equal in length) granular teeth, pectoral fin broad-based, and dorsal fin begins above pectoral fins; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 75 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
14 CHINGILT
Yirrkala lumbricoides (Bleeker, 1864)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by slender worm-like body; moderately long pointed snout; dorsal fin begins above gill openings, no pectoral fins, and anus about midway between snout and tip of tail; found throughout the region; lndo-W. Pacific; to 44 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
15 VULTURE EEL
Icththyapus vulturis Weber & de Beaufort, 1916 Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by general pale colouration, long pointed snout, very small eye and no pectoral fins; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 50 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
SNAKE EELS
All of the species on this plate, except no. 1, are members of the family Ophichthidae known as snake eels. Although they are very common, most people, including keen anglers, are unaware of their presence. This is because they spend most of the time buried in the sand. Most of the species have a pointed snout to aid in burrowing. In addition, many have a bony, sharp tail and are equally adept at burrowing forward or backward. The diet of most snake eels consists of small fishes, crabs, and prawns.
A few species particularly, those with banded patterns, are sometimes mistaken for sea snakes, but they are easily distinguished by the lack of scales and possession of a pointed tail (paddle-like in snakes).
The Black-edged Conger Eel (1) belongs to the family Congridae. It is found in rocky areas and amongst coral reef crevices. In some parts of the Indo-Pacific region its flesh is considered a delicacy. Neither conger or snake eels are dangerous.
PLATE 10: SNAKE EELS AND GARDEN EELS
1 SHARPSNOUT SNAKE EEL
Apterichtus klazingai (Weber, 1913)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs, buries in sand and seldom seen; distinguished by pointed snout and by white colour and numerous small light brown spots; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E.Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 40 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
2 CLOWN SNAKE EEL
Ophichthus bonaparti (Kaup, 1856)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs, buries in sand -sometimes seen with head protruding; Indonesia and Philippines; to 60 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
3 CROCODILE SNAKE EEL
Brachysomophis crocodilinus (Bennett, 1833)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs, buries in sand -sometimes seen with head protruding; distinguished by numerous skin flaps lining mouth; similar to B. cirrocheilos (Pl. 9-3), but has smaller pectoral fins (their length fits about 10-12 times into head length instead of only 4-5 times); Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E.Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 110 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
4 BLACK-STRIPED SNAKE EEL
Callechelys catostomus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs, buries in sand and seldom seen; distinguished by broad black stripe; C. melanotaenia is a synonym; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; to 60 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
5 SPOTTED SNAKE EEL
Myrichthys maculosus (Cuvier, 1817)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs, buries in sand, but sometimes seen entirely exposed; distinguished by row of large dark spots; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; to 50 cm. (OPHICHTHIDAE)
6 COBRA GARDEN EEL
Heteroconger cobra Böhlke and Randall, 1981
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; mainly covered with brown spots, but distinguished by large dark blotch surrounding u-shaped white marking on head; New Guinea and Solomon Islands; to 40 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
7 MANY-TOOTHED GARDEN EEL
Heteroconger perissodon Böhlke & Randall, 1981
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by white blotch on side of head; Philippines and Indonesia; to 60 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
8 SPLENDID GARDEN EEL
Heteroconger preclara Böhlke & Randall, 1981
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by bold brown and white pattern of bars; Philippines and Indonesia, also Maldive Islands; to 60 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
9 SPOTTED GARDEN EEL
Heteroconger hassi (Klausewitz & Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1959)
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by fine spotting and pair of large black spots on anterior third of body; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 60 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
10 TAYLOR’S GARDEN EEL
Heteroconger taylori Castle & Randall, 1995
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by leopard-like black spots; Indonesia and New Guinea; to 40 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
11 BARNES’S GARDEN EEL
Gorgasia barnesi Robison & Lancraft, 1984
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by fine brown speckling and dark lips; Indonesia (Flores to Banda); to 100 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
12 SPECKLED GARDEN EEL
Gorgasia sp.
Inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by fine brownish yellow speckling; an undescribed species still lacking a scientific name; Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea; W. Pacific; to 46 cm. (CONGRIDAE)
EEL GARDENS
Garden eels (6-12) are easy to miss, even though they are frequently abundant. The reason for their apparent scarcity is that they live on flat or sloping sand bottoms - boring terrain for most divers or snorklers, who generally prefer the excitement of coral reefs. These unusual animals do not take a baited hook, and were unknown to the scientific world, until the advent of scuba diving a few decades ago. However, their unusual and interesting habits offer great rewards for the observant diver and underwater photographer.
Although small groups are occasionally encountered, they usually reside in colonies composed of many individuals, sometimes hundreds or even thousands! The eels live in sandy burrows, which they construct. They seldom leave the burrow, but while feeding in the passing current they rise out of their retreat -exposing up to two-thirds of the body length. Zooplankton is their primary food source. The eels even stay in their burrows when spawning - by stretching over to their mates adjacent burrow and entwining bodies.
When disturbed the eels retreat backward into the opening of their lair. If a diver swims through the colony a wave “effect” is created - directly ahead the eels gradually disappear into the sand, while those in the divers wake gradually reappear. The common name of these creatures is derived from the appearance of the colonies when all the members are feeding in an extended position - from a distance they resemble a bed of plant stalks.
These animals offer a real challenge to underwater photographers. A telephoto lens is required, either a 105 or 210 mm. In spite of the magnification advantage of these lenses, it is still necessary to have lots of patience. The best shots result when one can hide behind adjacent reef and hold breaths for long periods - encouraging the eel to rise high into the water column.
PLATE 11: CATFISHES AND LIZARDFISHES
1 GIANT SALMON CATFISH
Arius thalassinus (Rüppell, 1837)
Inhabits coastal waters; there are about 8 species of salmon catfishes in northern waters which are difficult to identify even for experts; A. thalassinus is the largest species and has 6 patches of teeth on roof (palate) of mouth (versus 2-4 in others); found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 185 cm. (ARIIDAE)
★★★
2 SMALLER SALMON CATFISH
Arius graefei Kner & Steindachner, 1866
Inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, and freshwater streams; difficult to identify, but has gill raker-like processes on back of all gill arches, 4 oval patches of teeth on roof of mouth, and barbel on upper jaw not reaching farther than beginning of dorsal fin; N. Australia and S. New Guinea only; to 50 cm. (ARIIDAE)
★★★
3 NAKED-HEADED CATFISH
Euristhmus nudiceps (Gunther, 1880)
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 4 below, but is more slender with greatest depth of body (i.e. height of body below first dorsal fin) fitting about 10 to 13 times in total length; N. Australia and New Guinea only; to 33 cm.
4 LONG-TAILED CATFISH
Euristhmus lepturus (Günther, 1864)
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 3 above, but not as slender with greatest depth of body (i.e. height of body below first dorsal fin) fitting about 8 or 9 times in total length; N. Australia and S. New Guinea only; to 46 cm. (PLOTOSIDAE)
5 STRIPED CATFISH
Plotosus lineatus (Thünberg, 1791)
Inhabits coastal waters, frequently in the vicinity of coral reefs; juveniles may form tightly packed aggregations containing up to several hundred fish; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 32 cm. (PLOTOSIDAE)
6 WHITE-LIPPED CATFISH
Paraplotosus albilabris (Valenciennes, 1840)
Inhabits coastal reefs, frequently found amongst weed-distinguished from 7 below, by lighter colour and much shorter dorsal fin; found throughout the region; mainly Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 134 cm. (PLOTOSIDAE)
★★★
7 SAILFIN CATFISH
Paraplotosus butleri Allen, 1998
Inhabits coastal reefs, usually in the vicinity of coral reefs; distinguished by black colour and tall dorsal fin; N.W. Australia south to Point Quobba; to 30 cm. (PLOTOSIDAE)
8 INDIAN LIZARDFISH
Synodus indicus (Day, 1873)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by overall light colour with faint stripes on back and 2 dark streaks on upper comer of gill cover; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indian Ocean and Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 21 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
9 TAILSPOT LIZARDFISH
Synodus jaculum Russell & Cressey, 1979
Inhabits the vicinity of coral reefs- distinguished by black spot at base of tail; Ningaloo Reef northwards; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 13 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
10 BLACK LIZARDFISH
Synodus kaianus (Gunther, 1880)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by overall dark colouration; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; mainly W. Pacific: to 22 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
11 BIG-EYED LIZARDFISH
Synodus macrops Tanaka, 1917
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by large size of eye and 3 large dark blotches on side; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; Andaman Sea and W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
12 BLACK-SHOULDERED LIZARDFISH
Synodus hoshinonis Tanaka, 1917
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by prominent black area on upper edge of gill cover; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 22 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
13 NETTED LIZARDFISH
Synodus sageneus Waite, 1905
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished from other lizardfishes by the absence or reduced size of the adipose fin (small fin on back between dorsal fin and tail)- also known as Fishnet lizardfish; N. Australia and S. New Guinea; to 26 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
14 VARIEGATED LIZARDFISH
Synodus variegatus (Lacepede, 1803)
Inhabits sand rubble areas in the vicinity of coral reefs; distinguished by mottled appearance with series of dark bars on side; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 25 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
15 PAINTED GRINNER
Trachinocephalus myops (Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coastal waters and trawling grounds; distinguished by pug-headed appearance, yellowish colour and bluish stripes on side; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 66 cm. (SYNODONTIDAE)
★★
16 SLENDER GRINNER
Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Inhabits sandy areas, frequently near coral reefs; similar to 13 above, but teeth not covered by lips when mouth is closed; N.W. Australia, E. Queensland, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 28 cm. (HARPODONTIDAE)
★★
17 LARGE-SCALED GRINNER
Saurida undosquamis (Richardson, 1848)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by small black spots along upper edge of tail, also known as Checkered lizardfish; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 45 cm. (HARPODONTIDAE)
★★
18 COMMON GRINNER
Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by lack of markings and dark lower lobe of tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 43 cm. (HARPODONTIDAE)
★★
19 GLASSY BOMBAY DUCK
Harpodon translucens Saville-Kent, 1889 Inhabits bays and estuaries- distinguished by large curved teeth and flaccid semi-transparent appearance; N. Australia and S. New Guinea only; to 70 cm. (HARPODONTIDAE)
★
PLATE 12: FROGFISHES, ANGLERFISHES, CLINGFISHES AND CUSKEELS
1 DAHL’S FROGFISH
Batrachomoeus dahli (Rendahl, 1922)
Inhabits shallow reefs; distinguished by gill slit extending along entire pectoral fin base and marbled pattern without distinctive cross bars; N.W. Australia only; to 20 cm. (BATRACHOIDIDAE)
2 WESTERN FROGFISH
Batrachomoeus occidentalis Hutchins, 1976
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds; distinguished by gill slit extending along entire pectoral base and distinct cross bars on side; Rottnest Island to Exmouth Gulf, W. Australia; to 20 cm. (BATRACHOIDIDAE)
3 THREE-SPINED FROGFISH
Batrachomoeus trispinosus (Gunther, 1861)
Inhabits coastal reefs; similar to 1 above, but has relatively distinct cross bars on side and well contrasted markings on dorsal surface of head; found throughout the region; N. Australia and New Guinea; to 30 cm. (BATRACHOIDIDAE)
4 BANDED FROGFISH
Halophyrne diemensis (Lesueur, 1824)
Inhabits reef crevices; distinguished by gill slit extending only half to two-thirds of pectoral fin base and lacks small dark-edged white spots on side; found throughout the region; Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 26 cm. (BATRACHOIDIDAE)
5 OCELLATED FROGFISH
Halophyrne ocellatus Hutchins, 1974
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds, may enter craypots; distinguished by restricted gill slit as in 4 above, but has small dark-edged white spots on side; Fremantle to Broome, W.Australia; to 26 cm. (BATRACHOIDIDAE)
6 URCHIN CLINGFISH
Diademichthys lineatus (Sauvage, 1883)
Inhabits coral reefs amongst spines of sea urchins or in branching corals; distinguished by peculiar shape with pale stripe on middle of side; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 5 cm. (GOBIESOCIDAE)
7 SHARK BAY CLINGFISH
Lepadichthys frenatus Waite, 1904 Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by red to brown colour, dark stripe behind eye, and peculiar shape; N. Australia; W. Pacific; to 5 cm. (GOBIESOCIDAE)
8 HUMPBACK ANGLERFISH
Tetrabrachium ocellatum (Gunther, 1880)
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds; distinguished by amorphous appearance, low dorsal and anal fins, small eyes and mouth, and numerous white spots; N. Australia and New Guinea; to 8.5 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
9 STRIPED ANGLERFISH
Antennarius striatus (Shaw, 1794)
Inhabits inshore reefs, often in weeds; distinguished by narrow dark streaks and elongate blotches on body and fins; also entirely black variety; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 22 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
10 WHITE-FINGER ANGLERFISH
Antennarius nummifer (Cuvier, 1817)
Inhabits inshore reefs; similar to 11 below, but has distinct tail base and usually a dark spot at base of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 13 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
11 FRECKLED ANGLERFISH
Antennarius coccineus (Lesson, 1830)
Inhabits offshore coral reefs; similar to 10 above, but lacks distinct tail base and black spot on dorsal fin base; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 13 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
12 SHAGGY ANGLERFISH
Antennarius hispidus (Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coastal reefs; distinguished by scattered dark blotches on side and fins, and diagonal, elongate streaks and blotches on dorsal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
13 PAINTED ANGLERFISH
Antennarius pictus (Shaw & Nodder, 1794)
Inhabits coastal reefs; distinguished by scattered dark spots (some pale-edged) and with light patches on nape, cheek, and pectoral regions; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 24 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
14 SPOTTED-TAIL ANGLERFISH
Lophiocharon trisignatus (Richardson, 1844)
Inhabits coastal reefs, also found under wharves; distinguished by dark-edged pale spots on tail; Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 18 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
15 SARGASSUM FISH
Histrio histrio (Linnaeus, 1758)
Usually found in clumps of floating sargassum weed; distinguished by smooth skin (most other anglerfishes have prickles), often with skin flaps and filaments on head and body; found throughout the region; worldwide temperate and tropical seas; to 16 cm. (ANTENNARIIDAE)
16 RED CUSKEEL
Ogilbia sp.
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by yellow to orange colour; elongate, tapering shape, blunt snout and tail separated from dorsal and anal fins; found throughout the region;W. Pacific; to 9 cm. (BYTHITIDAE)
17 PEARLFISH
Onuxodon margaritiferae (Rendahl, 1921)
Inhabits coastal waters, lives in the mantle cavity of oysters; other similar species found inside sea cucumbers and cushion starfish; distinguished by long slender, transparent body; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 9 cm. (CARAPIDAE)
18 BLACK-EDGED CUSKEEL
Ophidion muraenolepis (Gunther, 1880)
Inhabits continental shelf and slope; distinguished by long tapering body, low, dark edged dorsal and anal fins, no barbels, but thread-like pelvic fins just behind chin; N.W. Australia and S. Indonesia; mainly eastern Indian Ocean; to 20 cm. (OPHIDIIDAE)
19 BEARDED CUSKEEL
Brotula multibarbata Temminck & Schlegel, 1847 Inhabits coastal reefs; distinguished by elongate body, barbels around mouth, and thread-like pelvic fins; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 90 cm. (OPHIDIIDAE)
★★
20 GOLDEN CUSKEEL
Sirembo imberis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1847)
Inhabits trawling grounds; similar to 18 above, but with broken stripes and spots on side; found throughout the region; N. Indian Ocean and W. edge of Pacific; to 20 cm. (OPHIDIIDAE)
PLATE 13: FLYING FLSHES, GARFISHES, LONGTOMS AND HARDYHEADS
1 FLYINGFISH
Cypselurus sp.
Inhabits oceanic waters, frequently well offshore; several species of flyingfishes are common in the region, but only one is shown here as they are seldom caught by anglers and identification at the species level is frequently difficult; flyingfishes are distinguished by the wing-like pectoral fins and elongated lower tail lobe which facilitate long gliding flights over the sea surface; found throughout the region; to 27 cm. (EXOCOETIDAE)
★★
2 SNUB-NOSED GARFISH
Arrhamphus sclerolepis Gunther, 1866
Inhabits coastal waters, sometimes entering brackish estuaries and the lower reaches of freshwater streams; distinguished by its short snout and lack of elongated lower jaw (as in other garfishes); N. Australia and New Guinea; to 38 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★★
3 BUFFON'S GARFISH
Zenarchopterus buffonis (Valenciennes, 1847)
Inhabits coastal waters, sometimes entering estuaries; distinguished by truncate tail (forked in other genera of garfishes) and prominent dark brown stripe along midline of snout; male (shown here) has elongate and thickened anal fin; several similar species in region, usually in brackish or fresh waters; found throughout the region; Andaman Sea and Indo-Australian Archipelago: to 13 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★
4 BARRED GARFISH
Hemiramphus far (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits coastal waters, frequently in schools near reefs; distinguished by 4-6 prominent dark bars on side; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 35 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★★
5 ROBUST GARFISH
Hemiramphus robustus Gunther, 1866 Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 4 above, but lacks dark bars on side (may have a single dark blotch below dorsal fin); both these species differ from 6 and 7 below in lacking scales on the triangular-shaped surface of the upper jaw; also known as Three by Two garfish; tropical and temperate Australia only; to 48 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★★
6 TROPICAL GARFISH
Hyporhamphus afftnis (Günther, 1866)
Inhabits coastal waters, occurring in schools; similar to 4 and 5 above, but has scales (versus no scales) on the triangular-shaped surface of the upper jaw, is more slender, and lacks bars or blotches on side; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 25 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★
7 QUOY’S GARFISH
Hyporhamphus quoyi (Valenciennes, 1847)
Inhabits coastal waters, occurring in schools; distinguished by the relatively short lower jaw; found throughout the region; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 34 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★★
8 LONG-FINNED GARFISH
Euleptorhamphus viridis (van Hasselt, 1823)
Inhabits coastal waters, but sometimes encountered well offshore; distinguished by strongly compressed ribbon-like body, very long lower jaw, and wing-like pectoral fins; exhibits gliding behaviour similar to flyingfishes; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 60 cm. (HEMIRAMPHIDAE)
★★★
9 BARRED LONGTOM
Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846)
Inhabits oceanic waters, often well offshore; distinguished by bars on rear part of body below dorsal fin; found throughout the region; worldwide tropical and subtropical seas; to 120 cm. (BELONIDAE)
★★
10 FLAT-TAILED LONGTOM
Platybelone platyura (Bennett, 1837)
Inhabits offshore waters; distinguished by flattened (dorsoventrally) tail base; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 40 cm. (BELONIDAE)
★★
11 SLENDER LONGTOM
Strongylura leiura (Bleeker, 1851)
Inhabits coastal waters, frequently in bays and estuaries; distinguished by elongate jaws, slender shape, and black bar or streak across base of gill cover (not shown); found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 110 cm. (BELONIDAE)
★★
12 CROCODILIAN LONGTOM
Tylosurus crocodilus (Péron & Lesueur, 1821)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by dark fleshy ridge on side of tail base (not shown), found throughout the region; Atlantic and Indo-C. Pacific; to 150 cm. (BELONIDAE)
★★
13 STOUT LONGTOM
Tylosurus gavialoides (Castelnau, 1873)
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 12 above, but lacks fleshy ridge on side of tail base also has more rounded snout tip (when viewed from above); found throughout the region; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 130 cm. (BELONIDAE)
★★
14 SPOTTED HARDYHEAD
Allanetta mugiloides (McCulloch, 1912)
Inhabits coastal waters, frequently in schools off beaches; distinguished by small dark spot below pectoral fin; N. Australia only; to 6 cm. (ATHERINIDAE)
15 FEW-RAYED HARDYHEAD
Craterocephalus pauciradiatus (Gunther, 1861)
Inhabits coastal waters, occurring in schools; a non-descript silvery fish which has the anus positioned close to the pelvic fin base, and lacks a notch on the lower cheek margin; N.W. Australia only; to 6 cm. (ATHERINIDAE)
16 SAMOAN HARDYHEAD
Hypoatherina temminckii (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by slender shape, anus placed far behind pelvic fin base, and prominent silvery midlateral stripe; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 10 cm. (ATHERINIDAE)
17 ENDRACHT HARDYHEAD
Atherinomorus endrachtensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Inhabits coastal waters; similar to 14 above, but no spot below pectoral fin and rear part of lower jaw only slightly elevated (versus prominently elevated - mouth must be opened widely to detect this feature); N. Australia and New Guinea; to 10 cm. (ATHERINIDAE)
18 OGILBY’S HARDYHEAD
Atherinomorus ogilbyi (Whitley, 1930)
Inhabits shallow coastal waters, including bays and estuaries, usually in schools; distinguished by dark blotch at tip of pectoral fins; found throughout the region; Australia only - W. Australia, Queensland, and New S. Wales; to 17 cm. (ATHERINIDAE)
PLATE 14: SQUIRRELFISHES (HOLOCENTRIDAE)
1 BLACKFIN SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis adusta Bleeker, 1853
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by black area on outer half of dorsal and anal fins; found throughout the region; W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 30 cm.
★★★
2 DOUBLETOOTH SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis hexagonatus (Lacepède, 1802)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; similar to 4 below (both have 2 pairs of tooth patches on front of lower jaw, just outside of the mouth), but differs in having small scales on the inside base (“armpit”) of pectoral fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 20 cm.
★★★
3 KUNTEE SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis kuntee Valenciennes, 1831
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by broad dark behind head to pectoral fin base and 37-44 scales in lateral line; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 20 cm.
★★★
4 PALE SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis melanostictus Bleeker, 1863
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; similar to 2 above, but differs in lacking small scales on the inside base (“armpit”) of pectoral fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 30 cm.
★★★
5 CRIMSON SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis murdjan (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by dark margin on upper part of gill cover and 27-32 scales in lateral-line; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 30 cm.
★★★
6 SPOTFIN SQUIRRELFISH
Neoniphon sammara (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits patch reefs in lagoons amongst branching corals; distinguished by slender shape, silvery or pale colouration, and black spot at front of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 32 cm.
★★
7 DEEPWATER SQUIRRELFISH
Ostichthys kaianus (Gunther, 1880)
Inhabits offshore trawling ground between about 300-650 m depth; distinguished by broad V-shaped groove at middle of snout and 12 dorsal spines; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 30 cm.
★★
8 ROUGH SQUIRRELFISH
Pristilepis oligolepis (Whitley, 1941)
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds; distinguished by narrow, elongate groove at middle of snout and 12 dorsal spines; W. Australia and scattered, mainly W. Pacific localities; to 20 cm.
★★
9 CROWNED SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron diadema (Lacepède, 1802)
Inhabits coral reefs to 30 m depth; distinguished by broad black margin on dorsal fin; found throughout the region; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 16 cm.
★★
10 SPECKLED SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron punctatissimum (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits rocky shores and reefs exposed to wave action; distinguished by pepper-like spotting on sides; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 15 cm.
★★
11 RED SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits live and dead coral reefs, usually in protected lagoons; distinguished by red and white stripes of about equal width; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 28 cm.
★★
12 SPINY SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron spiniferum (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs, distinguished by overall red colouration and very long spine at lower margin of cheek; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 40 cm.
★★★
13 BLUESTRIPE SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron tiere (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits mainly outer exposed reefs to 20 m depth; distinguished by brilliant red colour, and iridescent blue stripes on lower sides; N. W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 34 cm.
★★★
14 VIOLET SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron violaceum (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by overall dusky appearance; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 23 cm.
★★
PREDATORS OF THE NIGHT
The fishes featured on this plate are members of the family Holocentridae, commonly known as squirrelfishes or soldierfishes. They occur in all tropical seas. Most of the approximately 70 species inhabit the Indo-Pacific region. They are characterised by rough scales, prominent fin spines, a large eye, and red coloration. Another remarkable feature is their ability to produce clearly audible “clicking” sounds, believed to function as a form of communication between members of the school. Squirrelfishes differ from soldierfishes in possessing a sharp spine at the back of each cheek, which can inflict a painful wound if handled carelessly. Therefore caution must be exercised when removing them from a hook. Although most of the species are small, the flesh is considered good eating.
Although very abundant on coral reefs, snorkelers seldom see these fishes. During the day they remain hidden deep in the shadows of caves, cracks, and crevices. They begin to appear in the open shortly after sunset. Because most of the reef’s fish occupants are active during the day, many invertebrates, particularly crustaceans and echinoderms, have evolved a strategy to avoid them by coming out to feed at night. Squirrelfishes have adapted night-time feeding habits to take advantage of this nocturnal food supply. They feed mainly on crustaceans, particularly small crabs and shrimps.
PLATE 15: SQUIRRELFISHES (FAMILY HOLOCENTRIDAE)
1 BIGSCALE SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis berndti (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; all Myripristis lack a prominent spine on the lower edge of the cheek that is found in other squirrelfishes; distinguished by 28-31 scales along lateral line, pale body with dark scale edges, yellow dorsal fin, and dark edge on gill cover; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-E. Pacific; to 19 cm.
★★★
2 YELLOWFIN SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis chryseres (Jordan & Evermann, 1903)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges, usually below 30 m depth; distinguished by bright yellow fins; Great Barrier Reef and Indonesia; widely scattered localities in the Indo-C. Pacific; to 25 cm.
★★★
3 SCARLET SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis pralinia Cuvier, 1829
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by dark mark that ends abruptly midway on rear edge of gill cover; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 20 cm.
★★★
4 LATTICE SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis violacea Bleeker, 1851
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by bluish-silver colour and broad dark scale edges that give dusky appearance to upper sides; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 20 cm.
★★★
5 RED SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis vittata Valenciennes, 1831
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges, usually on outer slopes below about 20 m; distinguished by bright red-orange colour and white tips on dorsal spines; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 20 cm.
★★★
6 SMOOTH SQUIRRELFISH
Neoniphon argenteus (Valenciennes, 1831)
Inhabits coral reefs, frequently amongst branching corals; distinguished by mainly silver colour with faint spots forming longitudinal lines on side, and plain dorsal fin; offshore reefs of W.A. and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 25 cm.
★★
7 YELLOW-STRIPED SQUIRRELFISH
Neoniphon aurolineatus (Liénard, 1839)
Inhabits coral reefs, under ledges and amongst corals, usually below 40 m depth; distinguished by prominent yellow stripes on side; Great Barrier Reef; scattered localities in Indo-C. Pacific; to 22 cm.
★★
8 BLACK-FINNED SQUIRRELFISH
Neoniphon opercularis (Valenciennes, 1831)
Inhabits coral reefs, under ledges and amongst corals; distinguished by broad black band through anterior dorsal fin; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 24 cm.
★★
9 ROUGH-SCALED SOLDIERFISH
Plectrypops lima (Valenciennes, 1831)
Inhabits coral reefs, a cryptic species that hides in deep recesses during the day and rarely ventures far from caves at night; differs from other soldierfishes in having 12 instead of 11 dorsal spines; has stocky body shape similar to 14 below, but lacks spine at lower corner of cheek; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 16 cm.
★★
10 TAILSPOT SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron caudimaculatum (Ruppell, 1838)
Inhabits coral reefs, frequently in caves and under ledges, but often seen in the open; distinguished by silvery-white spot behind dorsal fin base or entire rear part of fish silvery white; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 21 cm.
★★
11 THREESPOT SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron cornutum (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; similar black marks at base of caudal, dorsal, and anal fins as 15 below, but lacks yellow colour on body and has black submarginal band on dorsal fin; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, and Solomon Islands; to 17 cm.
★★
12 SAMURAI SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron ittodai (Jordan & Fowler, 1903)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges in 5-70 m depth; a red-striped squirrelfish lacking distinguishing marks, but dorsal fin is largely red with white “windows” across the middle; Great Barrier Reef and widely scattered localities in the Indo-W. Pacific; to 17 cm.
★★
13 PINK SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron tiereoides (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by silvery-pink stripes between red stripes on side of body, dorsal fin red with white tips; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 16 cm.
14 SANDPAPER SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron lepros (Allen & Cross, 1983)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges in 15-45 m depth; distinguished by stocky body shape, similar to 9 above, but has sharp spine on lower edge of cheek; offshore reefs of W.A. and scattered localities in E. Indian Ocean; to 7 cm.
★★
15 BLACKSPOT SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron melanospilos (Bleeker, 1858)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by yellow coloration and three black spots at bases of soft dorsal, anal, and caudal fins; often misidentified as S. cornutum; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 25 cm.
★★
16 SMALLMOUTH SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron microstoma (Gunther, 1859)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by slender body, very long third anal spine, and alternating white and red stripes; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of W.A., and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 19 cm.
★★
NIGHT SHIFT
By day the coral reef is literally a beehive of activity. Fishes of every description swarm over the reef. Keen observers with a mask and snorkel can effortlessly watch the fascinating drama of undersea life as the occupants of the reef engage in their daily activities. But what happens to the fishes at night? Most retire to the safety of a cave or crevice at dusk - but as darkness descends squirrelfishes (Plates 14-15), cardinalfishes (Plates 31-36) and other members of the night shift become active.
PLATE 16: KNIGHT FISHES, DORIES, FLUTEMOUTHS, ETC.
1 KNIGHT FISH
Cleidopus gloriamaris De Vis, 1882
Inhabits coastal reefs, usually in caves or under ledges; similar to 2 below, but has very conspicuous light-producing organ on each side of lower jaw (appearing as orange spot in daylight or a blue-green one at night), and scales are more strongly outlined by dark colouration; also known as Pineapple fish; Australia only, mainly in subtropical and temperate waters of east and west coasts; to 28 cm. (MONOCENTRIDAE)
2 JAPANESE PINEAPPLEFISH
Monocentrus japonicus (Houttuyn, 1782)
Inhabits deeper offshore reefs and trawling grounds; similar to 1 above, but light organs not as conspicuous, narrower dark margins around scales, and wider gap between eye and mouth; N.W. Australia, New S. Wales, and scattered localites in Indo-Malay region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (MONOCENTRIDAE)
3 LITTLE DORY
Cyttopsis cypho (Fowler, 1934)
Inhabits deeper trawling grounds of the continental shelf; general shape similar to 4 and 5 below, but a much smaller fish lacking filamentous dorsal fin rays; found throughout the region; mainly W. Pacific; to 18 cm. (ZEIDAE)
4 MIRROR DORY
Zenopsis nebulosus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845)
Inhabits deeper trawling grounds of the continental shdf; similar to 5 below, but lacks scales (versus small scales present) and forehead profile distinctly concave (versus convex); found throughout the region; C. and W. Pacific; to 58 cm. (ZEIDAE)
★★★★
5 JOHN DORY
Zeus faber Linnaeus, 1758
Inhabits deeper trawling grounds of the continental shelf, although sometimes found close to the coast; similar to 4 above, but has small scales versus no scales and forehead profile is concave versus convex; Australia, mainly in temperate seas; tropical and temperate E. Atlantic and lndo-W. Pacific; to 75 cm. (ZEIDAE)
★★★★
6 PINK BOARFISH
Antigonia rhomboidea McCuUoch, 1915
Inhabits deeper trawling grounds of the continental shelf; distinguished by diamond-shaped body; red or pink colouration with yellowish fins; Australia only - shelf areas off eastern and western coasts in tropical and temperate seas; to 15 cm. (CAPROIDAE)
7 HIGH-FINNED VEILFIN
Velifer hypselopterus Bleaker, 1879
Inhabits deeper trawling grounds of the continental shelf, although the young may appear in shallow coastal waters; distinguished by filamentous dorsal and anal fins and diffuse dark bars on side; shelf areas off eastern and western coasts of Australia in tropical and temperate seas, also Arafura Sea; Indo-W. Pacific; to 40 cm. (VELIFERIDAE)
8 SMOOTH FLUTEMOUTH
Fistularia commersonii Rüppell, 1838
Inhabits coastal waters in the vicinity of reefs; distinguished by long snout, trailing filament on tail, and greenish-brown colour of back; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 163 cm. (AULOSTOMIDAE)
9 ROUGH FLUTEMOUTH
Fistularia petimba Lacepède, 1803
Inhabits coastal waters, also found well offshore; similar to 8 above, but has row of bony plates along middle of back (absent in 8) and is reddish or brownish-orange in colour (versus greenish-brown); found throughout the region; Atlantic and Indo-C. Pacific; to 185 cm. (FISTULARIIDAE)
10 PAINTED FLUTEMOUTH
Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766)
Inhabits coral reefs; roughly similar shape to 8 and 9 above, but has shorter snout, has small scales (versus no scales), row of feeble dorsal spines on back, different shaped fins, and lacks tail filament; a yellow variety is frequently seen; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 50 cm. (FISTULARIIDAE)
11 GHOST FLATHEAD
Hoplichthys regani Jordan & Richardson, 1908
Inhabits deep offshore trawling grounds; similar to flatheads (Plate 21) in body shape (i.e. greatly flattened), but lacks scales and has filamentous dorsal-fin rays; N.W. Ausralia and S. Indonesia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (HOPLICHTHYIDAE)
12 ORIENTAL SEAROBIN
Dactyloptaenia orientalis (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits coastal waters, usually on sand bottoms near coral reefs; distinguished by huge wing-like pectoral fins; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 38 cm. (DACTYLOPTERIDAE)
13 SLENDER SEAMOTH
Pegasus volitans Linnaeus, 1758
Inhabits sand or silt bottoms of bays and estuaries; distinguished by flattened head and tapered body encased in plate-like armour similar to seahorses, and fan-like pectoral fins; often identified as Parapegasusnatans; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 16 cm. (PEGASIDAE)
14 SHORT SEAMOTH
Emypegasus draconis (Linnaeus, 1766)
Inhabits sand or silt bottoms, frequently in bays or estuaries; similar to 13 above, but wider body (when viewed from above), shorter snout and tail, and body is more “sculptured”; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 10 cm. (PEGASIDAE)
PLATE 17
1 GROOVED RAZORFISH
Centriscus scutatus Linnaeus, 1758
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by long snout and thin (highly compressed) body composed of bony plates; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 15 cm. (CENTRISCIDAE)
2 HARLEQUIN GHOST PIPEFISH
Solenostomus paradoxus (Pallas, 1770)
Inhabits inshore reefs and weed beds, sometimes in floating seaweed; distinguished by skin flaps on head and body, stripes on body and spotted fins; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 12 cm. (SOLENOSTOMIDAE)
3 GHOST PIPEFISH
Solenostomus cyanopterus Bleeker, 1855
Inhabits inshore reef areas; distinguished by yellowish to green or brown colour; general shape similar to 2 above, but has fewer skin flaps and shorter tail base; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 16 cm. (SOLENOSTOMIDAE)
PLATE 17: SEAHORSES AND PIPEFISHES
1 GROOVED RAZORFISH
Centriscus scutatus Linnaeus. Text on page 70.
2 HARLEQUIN GHOST PIPEFISH
Solenostomus paradoxus (Pallas). Text on page 70.
3 GHOST PIPEFISH
Solenostomus cyanopterus Bleeker. Text on page 70.
4 SPOTTED SEAHORSE
Hippocampus kuda Bleeker, 1852
Inhabits sheltered bays and estuaries; variable in colour, either yellow, brown or blackish; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 30 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
5 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SEAHORSE
Hippocampus angustatus Gunther, 1870
Inhabits sheltered bays; variable in colour, also has narrow lines across snout; N. Australia, except ranging south on W. Coast to Augusta; to 22 cm (illustration not shown at proper scale). (SYNGNATHIDAE)
6 SPINY SEAHORSE
Hippocampus hystrix Kaup, 1856
Inhabits coastal waters; distinguished by pronounced spiny ridges on head and body; colour variable; found throughout the region; Indo-W.Pacific; to 15cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
7 LARSON ‘S PIPEHORSE
Acentronurus larsonae Dawson, 1984
Inhabits coral reefs or amongst sargassum weed; distinguished by seahorse shape and bulbous forehead; known only from Monte Bello Islands, W. Australia; to 3.5 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
8 EEL PIPEFISH
Bulbonaricus brauni (Dawson & Allen, 1978)
Inhabits coral reefs amongst organ-pipe coral; distinguished by eel-like shape; Ningaloo Reef, W. Australia and Indo-Malay region; to 6 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
9 MUIRON PIPEFISH
Choeroichthys latispinosus Dawson, 1978
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by relatively broad, elongate snout with upturned mouth, and short tail; known thus far only from South Muiron Island, W. Australia; to 3 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
10 SHORT-BODIED PIPEFISH
Choeroichthys brachysoma (Bleeker, 1855)
Inhabits reefs and seagrass beds; distinguished by broad midsection tapering at head and tail; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 7 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
11 BANDED PIPEFISH
Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus (Bleeker, 1853)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by prominent light and dark bands found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 18 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
12 JANSS’S PIPEFISH
Doryrhamphus janssi (Herald & Randall, 1972)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by red central section of body grading to blue on rear part and fan-shaped dark tail with pale centre and pale outer margin; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly W. Pacific; to 13 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
13 LADDER PIPEFISH
Festucalex scalaris (Gunther, 1870)
Inhabits trawling grounds, amongst weeds; distinguished by short snout, and variegated pattern of light and dark spots, blotches and bars; central W. coast of W. Australia only; to 18 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
14 TIGER PIPEFISH
Filicampus tigris (Castelnau, 1879)
Inhabits sand-weed areas; distinguished by diagonal dark stripes on head, diffuse dark bars, and abruptly white belly; Australia only - west and S.E. coast, also Spencer’s Gulf, S. Australia; to 35 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
15 TASSELLED PIPEFISH
Halicampus brocki (Herald, 1953)
Inhabits coral and rocky reefs; distinguished by skin flaps and branched tassles; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly W. Pacific; to 11 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
16 SHORT-NOSED PIPEFISH
Halicampus spinirostris (Dawson & Allen, 1981)
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by short snout, no skin flaps, and broad dark bars with narrow pale bars between them; W∙ Australia (Ningaloo Reef), Sri Lanka and Samoa; to 11 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
17 RIBBONED PIPEFISH
Haliichthys taeniophorus Gray, 1859
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by large size, elongate snout, bony knobs above eye, and prominent spines or knobs on body ridges; N. Australia and New Guinea; to 30 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
18 MANGROVE PIPEFISH
Hippichthys penicillus (Cantor, 1850)
Inhabits mangrove estuaries; distinguished by relatively long snout, and small pale spots on front part of body; found throughout the region; N. Indian Ocean and W∙ Pacific; to 18 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
19 PALLID PIPEFISH
Solegnathus hardwickii (Gray, 1830)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by large size, pale colouration and dark marks along edge of back; found throughout the region; mainly W. Pacific; to 50 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
20 WHITE-SADDLED PIPEFISH
Micrognathus micronotopterus (Fowler, 1938)
Inhabits in shore reefs and tide pools, distinguished by short snout, small, usually unbranched skin flaps on head and body, and 10-12 pale saddles on back; N.W. Australia to Gulf of Carpentaria, also scattered Indo-Malay localites; to 7 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
21 DOUBLE-ENDED PIPEFISH
Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch, 1785)
Inhabits coastal waters, amongst weeds; distinguished by large size with deep, laterally compressed snout and prehensile tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 29 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
22 SHORT-TAILED PIPE FISH
Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus (Bleeker, 1857)
Inhabits sand, rubble or weed bottoms; distinguished by long thin tapering body, and tiny tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 40 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
23 SLENDER PIPEFISH
Trachyrhamphus longirostris Kaup, 1856
Inhabits trawling grounds; similar to 22 above, but has thicker snout and fewer rings or body segments (41-53 behind anus versus 55-63); found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 32 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
PLATE 18: PIPEFISHES AND SCORPIONFISHES
1 RAZORFISH
Aeoliscus strigatus (Günther, 1860)
Inhabits coral reefs forming schools that orient themselves vertically with head downward among branching corals or urchins; similar to Centriscus strigatus (Pl. 17-1), but tail has different shape; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 14 cm. (CENTRISCIDAE)
2 MULTI-BANDED PIPEFISH
Doryrhamphus multiannulatus (Regan, 1903)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; similar to D. dactyliophorus (Pl. 17-11), but has more numerous dark bands; N.W. Australia; Indian Ocean and Red Sea; to 18 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
3 ORANGE-BANDED PIPEFISH
Doryhamphus pessuliferus (Fowler, 1938)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; similar to D. dactyliophorus (Pl. 17-11), but has orange instead of white background colour; Indonesia (N. Sulawesi) and Philippines; to 15 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
4 BLUE-STRIPED PIPEFISH
Doryrhamphus excisus excisus Kaup, 1856
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by reddish fanshaped tail; found throughout the region; Indo-E. Pacific; to 7 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
5 RUBBLE PIPEFISH
Corythoichthys haematopterus (Bleeker, 1851)
Inhabits coral reefs, usually on rubble bottoms; similar to 6 below, but dark markings are usually less distinct on rear part of body; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
6 RINGED PIPEFISH
Corythoichthys intestinalis (Ramsay, 1881)
Inhabits coral reefs, usually on rubble bottoms; similar to 5 above, but dark markings are usually more distinct on rear part of body; Great Barrier Reef, N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly W. Pacific; to 16 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
7 SCHULTZ’S PIPEFISH
Corythoichthys schultzi Herald, 1953
Inhabits coral reefs, usually on rubble bottoms; similar to 5 and 6 above, but has much longer snout; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 15 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
8 BROWN-BANDED PIPEFISH
Corythoichthys ampler Dawson & Randall, 1975
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by broad brown bars with narrower white bars between; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 9 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
9 GLITTERING PIPEFISH
Halicampus nitidus (Gunther, 1873)
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by short smout and white background colour with numerous narrow brown bars; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly W. Pacific; to 7.5 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
10 WHITE PIPEFISH
Siokunichthys nigrolineatus Dawson, 1983
Inhabits coral reefs; lives among polyps of mushroom corals; distinguished by overall white colour; Indonesia, Philippines, and New Guinea; to 8 cm. (SYNGNATHIDAE)
11 CLEARFIN LIONFISH
Pterois radiata Cuvier, 1829
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by broad brown bars on body separated by narrow white lines, horizontal band on tail base, and enlarged filamentous pectoral fins; offshore reefs of N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 20 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
12 DOUBLESPOT LIONFISH
Dendrochirus biocellatus (Fowler, 1938)
Inhabits coral reef caves and ledges; distinguished by elongate “whiskers” and pair of pale-rimmed dark spots on rear part of dorsal fin; offshore reefs of N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 13 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
13 WEEDY SCORPIONFISH
Rhinopias aphanes Eschmeyer, 1973
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by bold maze-like pattern and filamentous tentacles on head and body; Great Barrier Reef and New Guinea; W. Pacific; to 24 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
14 MCADAM’S SCORPIONFISH
Parascorpaena mcadamsi (Fowler, 1938)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by 12 dorsal spines, second spine above upper jaw curves outward and hooks forward, and black spot at rear of spiny part of dorsal fin; offshore reefs of N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 6 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
15 SHORT-FINNED SCORPIONFISH
Scorpaenodes parvipinnis (Garrett, 1864)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by 13 dorsal spines and relatively low spiny part of dorsal fin; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 13 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
16 HAIRY SCORPIONFISH
Scorpaenodes hirsutus (Smith, 1957)
Inhabits coral reef crevices, usually on outer slopes; distinguished by 13 dorsal spines, dark blotch at front of dorsal fin, and another on basal half of pectoral fin; Great Barrier Reef and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 5 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
17 SMALLSCALE SCORPIONFISH
Scorpaenopsis oxycephala (Bleeker, 1849)
Inhabits coral reefs; rests in the open and is most commonly observed scorpionfish; similar to S. venosa (Pl. 20-10), but usually has 20 pectoral rays instead of 17-18; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 30 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
18 YELLOW-SPOTTED SCORPIONFISH
Sebastapistes cyanostigma (Bleeker, 1856)
Inhabits coral heads (often Pocillopora); distinguished by large yellow blotches and tiny pale spots on side; Great Barrier Reef, offshore reefs of N.W. Australia, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 7 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
19 REEF STONEFISH
Synanceja verrucosa Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coral reefs, among rocks or under slabs of dead coral; wound from venomous dorsal and anal-fin spines may cause serious injury or death; similar to S. horrida (Pl. 19-8), but found more offshore in clear water; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 35 cm. (SCORPAENIDAE)
PLATE 19: SCORPIONFISHES (FAMILY SCORPAENIDAE)
1 DWARF LIONFISH
Dendrochirus brachypterus (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits coral reefs, distinguished by large pectoral fins without elongate, free filamantous rays, similar to 2 below, but has more prominent curved bands on pectoral fins and bars on side are less well defined; also known as Short-finned scorpionfish; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 15 cm.
2 ZEBRA LION FISH
Dendrochirus zebra (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by large pectoral fins without elongate, free filamentous rays, similar to 1 above, but bands on pectoral fins poorly defined and bars on side more distinct, also known as Butterfly scorpionfish; found throughout the region; Indo-C Pacific; to 18 cm.
3 RAGGED-FINNED FIREFISH
Pterois antennata (Bloch, 1787)
Inhabits coral reefs, usually in caves and crevices distinguished by white filamentous pectoral rays, row of large dark spots at base of this fin and relatively few dark bars on head; also known as Spotfin lionfish; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 30 cm.
4 DEEPWATER FIREFISH
Pterois mombasae (Smith, 1957)
Inhabits offshore reefs, usually below 40 m depth; distinguished by relatively short filamentous tips on pectoral fin which is densely spotted and maze of dark and light bands on tail base; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 16 cm.
5 SPOTLESS FIREFISH
Pterois russelli Bennett, 1831
Inhabits offshore reefs, usually below 20-30 m depth; distinguished by filamentous pectoral rays and lack of spots on dorsal, anal, and tail fins; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 30 cm.
6 RED FIREFISH
Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758)
Inhabits coral and rocky reefs, usually in caves or crevices, distinguished by broad filamentous pectoral rays, similar to 5 above, but has spots on dorsal, anal, and tail fins; also known as Butterfly cod and Volitans lionfish; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 38 cm.
7 ROUNDFACE FIREFISH
Brachypterois serrulatus (Richardson, 1846)
Inhabits deeper trawling grounds, distinguished by dusky fan-like pectoral fins without free filamentous rays, lack of distinct bars on side, and faint spotting on dorsal, anal, and tail fins;N.W. Australia and Timor-Arafura seas; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 10 cm.
8 ESTUARINE STONEFISH
Synanceja horrida (Linnaeus, 1766)
Inhabits estuaries and inshore areas on sand or mud bottoms, amongst rocks, or sometimes under dead coral slabs; distinguished by stone-like appearance and warty projections on body; a similar species, S. verrucosa (not shown), occurs on coral reefs, fin spines extremely venomous; found throughout the region; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 47 cm.
9 MONKEYFISH
Erosa erosa (Langsdorf, 1829)
Inhabits trawling grounds; similar to 10 below, but has slight hump in front of dorsal fin, white spots on outer part of pectoral fin and narrow cross-bars on tail; also known as Pitted scorpionfish; found throughout the region; mainly W. Pacific; to 15 cm.
10 DAMPIE R STONEFISH
Dampierosa daruma Whitley, 1932 Inhabits coastal waters in the vicinity of reefs, sometimes under wharves; similar to 9 above, but has rounded head profile without hump in front of dorsal fin, broad white band (instead of spots) on outer pectoral fin and a single dark bar across middle part of tail; N.W. Australia only; to 13 cm.
11 COCKATOO WASPFISH
Ablabys taenianotus (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits coastal reefs; distinguished by thin, laterally compressed body, vertical profile of snout, and elevated rays at front of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 10 cm.
12 BLACKSPOT WASPFISH
Cottapistus praepositus (Ogilby, 1903)
Inhabits trawling grounds; similar to 11 above, but has larger eye, lacks elevated rays at front of dorsal fin, and has prominent dark blotch above pectoral fin; N. Australia and Indonesia; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 13 cm.
13 PLUMB-STRIPED STINGFISH
Minous versicolor Ogilby, 1910
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by irregular stripes and blotches on upper side, and wavy cross bands on dorsal and tail fins, also has free lower-most pectoral ray; N. Australia only; to 11 cm.
14 SPOT FIN WASPFISH
Paracentropogon vespa Ogilby, 1910 Inhabits trawling grounds; similar to 11 and 12 above, but has large dark blotch on base of front part of dorsal fin; N. Australia only; to 9 cm.
15 DEMON STINGER
Inimicus didactylus (Pallas, 1769)
Inhabits rubble bottoms, frequently in the vicinity of coral reefs; distinguished by large upturned mouth, free pair of rays at lowermost part of pectoral fin, and prominent dorsal spines, similar to 16 below, but has yellow tail with dark submarginal bar and pale band across pectoral fin; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 18 cm.
16 SPOTTED STINGER
Inimicus sinensis (Valenciennes, 1833)
Inhabits rubble bottoms; similar to 15 above, but tail mainly dusky or spotted (not yellow with dark cross bar) and lacks pale band on pectoral fin; N.W. Australia, Gulf of Carpentaria and throughout S.E. Asia; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 25 cm.
WARNING! The fishes shown on Plates 19 and 20 possess venomous fin spines and handling of live or freshly dead specimens should be avoided. The Estuarine Stonefish is amongst the most venomous of all fishes and is capable of causing death. Symptoms of scorpionfish stings range from a bee-sting type sensation to violent pain and may lead to unconsciousness or extended coma. Immersing the wound in very hot water is an effective first aid treatment and a physician should be consulted immediately.
PLATE 20: SCORPIONFISHES (FAMILY SCORPAENIDAE)
1 SHORT-FINNED WASPFISH
Apistops coloundra (De Vis, 1886)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by 5 chin barbels, diffuse dark stripes on side and spot on dorsal fin, similar to 2 below, but pectoral fins shorter (do not reach the rear part of anal fin); N. Australia only; to 12 cm.
2 LONG-FINNED WASPFISH
Hypodytes carinatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits trawling grounds, similar to 1 above, but with 3 chin barbels, no stripes on side and pectoral fins usually longer, reaching to rear part of anal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 18 cm.
3 COD VELVETFISH
Peristrominous dolosus Whitley, 1952
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by elongate brown body without distinct markings and pointed snout; N. Australia only; to 9 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
4 MARBLED STINGFISH
Cottapistus cottoides (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits deep offshore reefs and trawling grounds; distinguished by forward position (over eye) of dorsal fin origin, hump on snout, and very small scales; N.W. Australia, Gulf of Carpentaria, and scattered localities in Indo-Malay region; mainly W. Pacific, to 12 cm.
5 NORTHERN SCORPIONFISH
Parascorpaena picta (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits crevices of coral and rocky reefs; distinguished by well camouflaged appearance with skin flaps and tentacles on head and body, 12 dorsal spines, and spine above upper jaw that curves forward; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 16 cm
6 GUAM SCORPIONFISH
Scorpaenodes guamensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by dark spot on upper part of gill cover and 13 dorsal spines; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 12 cm.
7 ORNATE SCORPIONFISH
Scorpaenodes varipinnis Smith, 1957
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by red colour with white blotches on head and along middle of sides, a curved dark band across pectoral fin and 13 dorsal spines; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 7 cm.
8 LITTLE SCORPIONCOD
Scorpaenodes sp.
Inhabits coral reef crevices, distinguished by red or brown spots on fins, pale bar across tail base, lack of dark spot on gill cover, and 13 dorsal spines; possibly a colour variation of 9 below; W. Australia; to 8 cm.
9 PYGMY SCORPIONFISH
Scorpaenodes scaber (Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886)
Inhabits coastal and estuaries reefs; similar to 6 above, but has dark spot (darker than shown) on lower edge of gill cover instead of upper part; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 8 cm.
10 RAGGY SCORPION FISH
Scorpaenopsis venosa (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits coral reef crevices; distinguished by skin flaps and tentacles on head and body; relatively tall dorsal fin, and 12 dorsal spines, juveniles usually more ornate as shown; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 18 cm.
11 FALSE STONEFISH
Scorpaenopsis diabolus (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits coral reef crevices and rubble bottoms; distinguished by well camouflaged appearance, humped back, and bright yellow-orange patch on inner surface (not shown) of pectoral fins; often confused with the true stonefish (Synanceja), which is far more venomous; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 18 cm.
12 WHITE-BELLIED ROUGEFISH
Richardsonichthys leucogaster (Richardson, 1848)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by laterally compressed body, forward position (above rear part of eye) of dorsal fin origin, relatively large eye, and complete lack of scales; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 8 cm.
13 LEAF SCORPIONFISH
Taenianotus triacanthus Lacepède, 1802
Inhabits offshore coral reefs; distinguished by thin leaf-like body and tall dorsal fin, several colour varieties encountered including ones that are predominantly reddish, yellow, or black; offshore reefs of W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 10 cm.
14 DEEPSEA SCORPIONFISH
Setarches guentheri Johnston, 1862
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds, distinguished by overall red colour without distinct marks, relatively pointed snout, very stout spines on edge of cheek, and 12 dorsal spines; N.W. Australia; worldwide in tropical seas; to 23 cm.
PLATE 21
1 SANDPAPER VELVETFISH
Adventor elongatus (Whitley, 1952)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by elongate body shape and bony knobs on head, similar to 5 below, but dorsal fin begins further back on head; N. Australia only; to 11 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
2 DUSKY VELVETFISH
Aploactis aspersa (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
Inhabits trawling grounds; has longer anal fin base than other velvet fishes on this page; colour sometimes brown; found throughout the region, but rare; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 9 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
SCORPIONFISH COLOURS
The coloration of many of the scorpionfishes shown on this plate is extremely variable, depending on size, depth, and habitat; it is not unusual for the same species to exhibit very different patterns at a particular locality. For example the Northern Scorpionfish (5) is often mottled brown when found among rocks in shallow weedy areas, and red (as shown) if seen in caves on deeper sections of the reef.
SCORPIONFISHES AND ALLIED FAMILIES
The families featured on Plates 19-21 are members of the order Scorpaeniformes. They are distinguished by a bony ridge on the cheek and the head is frequently spiny or tassled. All are bottom living fishes that occur in a variety of depths and habitats. They often exhibit variegated colour patterns that blend well with their surroundings.
PLATE 21: VELVETFISHES, GURNARDS, AND FLATHEADS
1 SANDPAPER VELVETFISH
Adventor elongatus (Whitley, 1952). Text on previous page.
2 DUSKY VELVETFISH
Aploactis aspersa (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844). Text on previous page.
3 THIN VELVETFISH
Coccotropus sp.
Inhabits trawling grounds and sandy areas near reefs; distinguished by laterally compressed body, steep forehead, and tall anterior part of dorsal fin that begins above eye; similar to some scorpionfishes (Plates 19-20) but has bony knobs (versus spines) on head and body covered with prickles, possibly N.W. Australia only; to 5 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
4 THREEFIN VELVETFISH
Neoaploactis tridorsalis Eschmeyer & Allen, 1978 Inhabits sand or rubble bottoms near reefs, distinguished by 3 separate dorsal fins; N. Australia only; to 5 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
5 BEARDED VELVETFISH
Paraploactis intonsa Poss & Eschmeyer, 1978
Inhabits trawling grounds, similar to 1 and 2 above, but deeper bodied, steeper forehead, and dorsal fin begins above eye; P. pulvinus (not shown) is similar, but lacks prickles on ventral surface of lower jaw; known only from Shark Bay, W. Australia only; to 14 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
6 DARK-FINNED VELVETFISH
Kanekonia aniara (Thompson, 1967)
Inhabits continental shelf in about 200 m depth; distinguished by pale colouration except for blackish fins; N.W. Australia and E. Queensland; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 10 cm. (APLOACTINIDAE)
7 LONG-FINNED GURNARD
Lepidotrigla argus Ogilby, 1910
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by pair of short forward projecting spines on snout and enlarged fan-like pectoral fins with blue and yellow markings and blue-edged black spot; N. Australia only; to 18 cm. (TRIGLIDAE)
8 BLACK-FINNED GURNARD
Pterygotrigla leptacanthus (Günther, 1880)
Inhabits trawling grounds; similar to 7 above, but lacks scales, has longer forward projecting spines on snout, and blackish pectoral fins; N.W. Australia and Arafura Sea; to 15 cm. (TRIGLIDAE)
9 HALF-SPOTTED GURNARD
Pterygotrigla hemisticta (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
Inhabits trawling grounds, similar to 8 above, but has black spot on first dorsal fin and scattered brown spots on back; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 25 cm. (TRIGLIDAE)
10 SLENDER ARMOURED-GURNARD
Peristedion liorhynchus (Gunther, 1872)
Inhabits trawling grounds, distinguished by dark margin on dorsal fins and banded pectoral fins; shape from dorsal view similar to 11 below; found throughout the region; E. Indian Ocean and W Pacific; to 25 cm. (TRIGLIDAE)
11 SPOTTED ARMOURED-GURNARD
Satyrichthys rieffeli (Kaup, 1859)
Inhabits trawling grounds; distinguished by black spotting on head, body and dorsal fin; shape from side view similar to 10 above; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (TRIGLIDAE)
12 FRINGE-EYED FLATHEAD
Papilloculiceps nematophthalmus (Gunther, 1860)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by 6-9 skin tentacles above eye (versus 0-1 in most flatheads), 7-8 dusky bands across nape and back extending on to sides, and strongly variegated pattern on fins; found throughout the region; Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 58 cm. (PLATY CEPHALIDAE)
13 DWARF FLATHEAD
Elates ransonnetti (Steindachner, 1877)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by 6 dorsal spines (versus 7-9 spines for other flatheads), filamentous upper lobe of tail, and semi-transparent appearance; found throughout the region; Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 19 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
14 HARRIS’S FLATHEAD
Inegocia harrisii (McCulloch, 1914)
Inhabits sand bottoms, distinguished by overall orange-brown colour with fine brown spots on back and white below, irregular dark bars on pectoral fins, and elongate dark streaks on tail; N. Australia only; to 20 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
15 SPINY FLATHEAD
Onigocia spinosa (Temminck & Schlegel, 1844)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by numerous small spines on head which is very broad (when viewed from above), outer half of spiny dorsal fin dark brown; irregular brown bars across back and sides, and largely blackish pelvic fins with yellowish tips; N.W. Australia and Indonesia; E. Indian Ocean and W. Pacific; to 9 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
16 NORTHERN SAND FLATHEAD
Platycephalus arenarius Ramsay & Ogilby, 1886
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by black stripes on tail; N. Australia and Indonesia; to 45 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
★★★
17 BAR-TAILED FLATHEAD
Platycephalus endrachtensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1825
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by black stripes on tail, similar to 16 above, but has fewer black stripes and a yellow blotch on upper part of tail; N. Australia and New Guinea; to 26 cm. (PLATYCEPH ALIDAE)
★★★
18 RUSTY FLATHEAD
Inegocia japonica (Tilesius, 1812)
Inhabits sand bottoms; a reddish-brown flathead similar to 14 above in general appearance, but has definite dark spots on tail (versus elongate streaks); sometimes referred to as S. isacathus; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 20 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
★★★
19 HEART-HEADED FLATHEAD
Sorsogona tuberculata (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits sand bottoms; distinguished by prominent black area on outer part of pectoral fins and strongly barred pelvic fins; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 50 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
★★★
20 OLIVE-TAILED FLATHEAD
Rogadius asper (Cuvier, 1829)
Inhabits sand bottoms, distinguished from other flatheads by forward directed spine on lower edge of cheek, similar in colour to 19 above, but has broad dusky margin on spiny dorsal fin and lacks faint spotting on tail; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 17 cm. (PLATYCEPHALIDAE)
★★★
PLATE 22: GROPERS (FAMILY SERRANIDAE)
1 WHITE-LINED ROCKCOD
Anyperodon leucogrammicus (Valenciennes, 1828)
Inhabits coral reefs; distinguished by elongate shape and pattern of pale longitudinal stripes and numerous dark spots; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 50 cm.
★★★
2 FALSE SCORPIONFISH
Centrogenys vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
Inhabits sand and weed flats, frequently around rocky outcrops; resembles members of scorpionfish family (Plates 19-20), but lacks numerous head spines and is not venomous (fin spines); found throughout the region; Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 15 cm.
3 BROWN-BANDED ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis boenack Bloch, 1790
Inhabits dead reefs in protected inshore waters; distinguished by overall brown colour with faint dark bars on sides and large blackish spot at rear of gill cover; formerly known as C. pachycentron; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 22 cm.
★★
4 PEACOCK ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis argus Bloch & Schneider, 1801
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by numerous dark-edged blue spots on head, body and fins, also by whitish area in front of pectoral fin and 5-6 pale bars on posterior part of body frequently present; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 50 cm.
★★★
5 CORAL COD
Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by numerous blue spots on orange-red to red-brown background; also known as Coral trout; found throughout the region; Indo-W. Pacific; to 41 cm; 1.6 kg.
★★★
6 BLUE-LINED ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis formosa (Shaw & Nodder, 1812)
Inhabits inshore coral reefs; distinguished by narrow dark blue stripes on head, body, and fins; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 33 cm.
★★★
7 RED-SPOTTED ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis leopardus (Lacepède, 1801)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by oblique dark streaks on upper and lower lobe of tail, dark patch on upper edge of tail base, and dark spot at rear of gill cover; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 20 cm.
★★
8 TOMATO ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes, 1828)
Inhabits coral and rock reefs, adults often in deep water (30-100 m); distinguished by orange-red to reddish brown colour, frequently with scattered whitish blotches; a brown variety is shown on Plate 23 (12); juveniles are pale pinkish (see opposite Plate); N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-C. Pacific; to 58 cm.
★★★
9 FLAG-TAILED ROCKCOD
Cephalopholis urodeta (Schneider, 1801)
Inhabits coral reef crevices, distinguished by pale oblique streaks on lobes of tail; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 23 cm.
★★
10 BARRAMUNDI COD
Cromileptes altivelis (Valenciennes, 1828)
Inhabits caves and crevices of coral reefs; distinguished by small head, laterally compressed body and polkadot pattern; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific, to 70 cm and 4.8 kg.
★★★★
11 COOPER’S FAIRY BASSLET
Pseudanthias cooperi (Regan, 1902)
Inhabits offshore reefs to at least 160 m depth; male (shown here) has red spot on sides and elongate filaments on pelvic, anal, and tail fins; female lacks these features and has a red spot on the tip of each lobe of the tail; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 13 cm.
12 PEARL-SPOTTED FAIRY BASSLET
Selenanthias analis Tanaka, 1918
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds; distinguished by pearly spots on sides and black spot on anal fin; N. Australia and Japan to Taiwan; to 16 cm.
13 CITRON PERCHLET
Plectranthias megalophthalmus Fourmanoir & Randall, 1979
Inhabits deep offshore trawling grounds to 360 m depth; distinguished by yellow colouration; New Caledonia and N.W. Australia; to 8 cm.
14 SPOTTED PERCHLET
Plectranthias wheeleri Randall, 1980
Inhabits deep offshore trawling ground to 230 m; distinguished by irregular blotches on sides; found throughout the region; Australia and Indonesia; to 10 cm.
15 JAPANESE PERCHLET
Plectranthias japonicus (Steindachner, 1884)
Inhabits deep trawling grounds to at least 200 m; distinguished by red-orange colouration, sometimes with darker blotches on sides; N.W. Australia and Japan; to 15 cm.
INTRODUCTION TO ROCKCODS
Rockcods and their relatives in the groper family (Serranidae) are a dominant element of the fish community on all coral reefs, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The larger species are important table fish at many localities and the small schooling members, for instance the numerous Anthias (or Fairy Basslets) no doubt play an important role in the reef’s food chain. Members of the genus Cephalopholis are small to medium-sized gropers (also know as Cods or Rockcods in Australia) that occur in a variety of coral reef habitats. The Coral Cod (5), with its bright red coat studded with blue spots, is among the most colourful species. It grows to a reported length of 41 cm and is most often encountered in clear water of outer reefs to depths of at least 150 m. Like most of the larger groupers it feeds mainly on small fishes, supplemented by crustaceans. Feeding occurs mainly during the early morning and mid afternoon. The favourite food appears to be small, schooling Anthias, which are skilfully captured with a quick head on rush.
PLATE 23: GROPERS (FAMILY SERRANIDAE)
1 RED-FLUSHED ROCKCOD
Aethaloperca rogaa (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits coral reefs in the vicinity of caves; distinguished by elevated shape of body, dark colouration and white edge on tail; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 60 cm.
★★★
2 BLUNT-HEADED ROCKCOD
Epinephelus amblycephalus (Bleeker, 1857)
Inhabits deeper offshore reefs; distinguished by 5 dark bars on body; N.W. Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; mainly Indo-Australian Archipelago; to 45 cm.
★★★
3 YELLOW-SPOTTED ROCKCOD
Epinephelus areolatus (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits inshore reefs, usually around small coral heads in sandy areas or among sea grass; distinguished by dense pattern of large round spots and truncate (not rounded) tail; N.W∙ Australia and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W∙ Pacific; to 35 cm.
★★★
4 OCELLATED ROCKCOD
Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus (Bloch, 1790)
Inhabits coral reefs, near caves and crevices; similar to 2 on Plate 24, but spots more uniformly round and smaller; N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 60 cm.
★★★
5 CORAL ROCKCOD
Epinephelus corallicola (Valenciennes, 1828)
Inhabits shallow, silty reefs and estuaries; distinguished by round black spots on grey background; found throughout the region; W.Pacific; to 31cm.
★★★
6 BLACK-TIPPED COD
Epinephelus fasciatus (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits coral reefs and rocky bottoms to 100 m depth; distinguished by reddish bars and narrow black border on front part of dorsal fin; found throughout the region; Indo-C. Pacific; to 40 cm.
7 SPOTFIN ROCKCOD
Epinephelus latifasciatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842)
Inhabits sand and rock bottoms on the continental shelf between 20-200 m depth; distinguished by thin dark lines (or sometimes rows of faint spots) on sides, and spots on dorsal fin and tail; N.W. Australia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 70 cm.
★★★
8 FLOWERY COD
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775)
Inhabits coral reefs and rocky bottoms; similar to 11 below, but irregular brown blotches on sides generally more diffuse and spot at upper base of tail smaller; best means of separation is higher pectoral fin ray count (18-20, usually 19); N.W. Australia, Great Barrier Reef, and throughout S.E. Asia; Indo-W. Pacific; to 90 cm.
★★★
9 THREE-LINED ROCKCOD
Epinephelus heniochus Fowler, 1904
Inhabits offshore trawling grounds to at least 80 m depth; distinguished by overall pinkish-red colour and narrow stripes (often very faint) on head; N.W. Australia to Gulf of Carpentaria, also scattered localites in S.E. Asia; W. Pacific; to 30 cm.
★★★
10 HONEYCOMB COD
Epinephelus merra Bloch, 1793
